Footwear having removable motorized adjustment system

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system. The tensioning system may include a tensile member and a motorized tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The tensioning system may further include a power source configured to supply power to the motorized tightening device. The tensile member, the motorized tightening device, and the power source may be configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/032,524, filed on Sep. 20, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part(CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/014,555, filed Aug. 30,2013, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,365,387 on Jun. 14, 2016, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/695,953,filed Aug. 31, 2012, the benefit of priority of each of which is claimedhereby, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear andincluding removable motorized adjustment systems.

Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upperand a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a plurality ofmaterial elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers,leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bondedtogether to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortablyand securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms astructure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, alongmedial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of thefoot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fitof the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the footfrom the void within the upper. Likewise, some articles of apparel mayinclude various kinds of closure systems for adjusting the fit of theapparel.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article offootwear including a motorized tensioning system. The tensioning systemmay include a tensile member and a motorized tightening deviceconfigured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size ofan internal void defined by the article of footwear. The tensioningsystem may further include a power source configured to supply power tothe motorized tightening device. The tensile member, the motorizedtightening device, and the power source may be configured to beremovably attached to the article of footwear.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method ofchanging a lacing system of an article of footwear. The method mayinclude providing an article of footwear including a motorizedtensioning system attached to the article of footwear, the motorizedtensioning system including a tensile member laced through eye stays ina lacing region of the article of footwear, a motorized tighteningdevice configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust thesize of an internal void defined by the article of footwear, and a powersource configured to supply power to the motorized tightening device.The method may further include removing the tensile member, themotorized tightening device, and the power source from the article offootwear. In addition, the method may include lacing a manual lace intothe article of footwear.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a motorizedfootwear lacing system. The lacing system may include an article offootwear and a manual lace. In addition, the lacing system may include amotorized tensioning system, including a tensile member and a motorizedtightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member toadjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear.Also the lacing system may include a container configured to contain thearticle of footwear, the manual lace, the tensile member, and themotorized tightening device. Further, the tensile member and themotorized tightening device may be configured to be removably attachedto the article of footwear and replaced with the manual lace.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a kit of partsincluding an article of footwear, a motorized tensioning system, and aremote device for controlling the tensioning system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an article of footwearand an attachable motorized tensioning system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, assembled view of an embodiment of an articleof footwear and an attachable motorized tensioning system;

FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of the attachable motorized tensioningsystem;

FIG. 5 is a top down schematic view of a portion of an article offootwear including a removable adjustment apparatus, in which thelocations of a motorized tensioning device, a control unit, and abattery pack are indicated schematically;

FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a manualrelease mechanism for a tensioning system including a motorizedtensioning device;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of another manual releasemechanism for a tensioning system including a motorized tensioningdevice;

FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a motorizedtensioning device with an outer cover of the housing unit removed;

FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded isometric view of an embodiment of somecomponents of a motorized tensioning device;

FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded isometric view of an embodiment of aratcheting assembly;

FIG. 11 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of a motorizedtensioning system showing a ratcheting assembly clamped to a spool;

FIG. 12 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a shaft and arotational control assembly;

FIG. 13 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of a motorizedtensioning system showing a rotational control assembly engaging aspool;

FIG. 14 is another schematic isometric view of a portion of therotational control assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a spool;

FIG. 16 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of a torquetransmitting system;

FIG. 17 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of a torquetransmitting system in a fully loosened configuration;

FIG. 18 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of a torquetransmitting system in an incremental tightening configuration;

FIG. 19 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of a torquetransmitting system in an incremental tightening configuration;

FIG. 20 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of a torquetransmitting system as a gear contacts a ratcheting assembly;

FIG. 21 is a schematic isometric view of the portion of torquetransmitting system of FIG. 20, in which the gear, ratcheting assemblyand spool are clamped together and the spool is rotated;

FIG. 22 is a side schematic isometric view of a torque transmittingsystem in an incremental loosening configuration;

FIG. 23 is a schematic isometric view of a torque transmitting system ina first stage of an incremental loosening configuration;

FIG. 24 is a schematic isometric view of a torque transmitting system ina second stage of an incremental loosening configuration;

FIG. 25 is a schematic isometric view of a torque transmitting system ina third stage of an incremental loosening configuration;

FIG. 26 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a torquetransmitting system transitioning to a full loosening configuration;

FIG. 27 is a schematic isometric view of a secondary winding assemblyoperating while a lace is being wound onto a spool;

FIG. 28 is a schematic isometric view of a secondary winding assemblyoperating while a lace is being unwound from a spool due to tension onthe lace;

FIG. 29 is a schematic isometric view of a secondary winding assemblyoperating when a lace has developed some slack near the spool;

FIG. 30 is a schematic isometric view of motorized tensioning deviceincluding an alternative configuration for a secondary winding assembly;

FIG. 31 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article offootwear with a tensioning system and a remote device for controllingthe tensioning system;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a remote device runninga lacing control application;

FIG. 33 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a foot being insertedinto an article and a remote device running a lacing controlapplication;

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a foot fully insertedinto an article and a remote device running a lacing controlapplication;

FIG. 35 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article beingtightened as a remote device sends an incremental tighten command to atensioning system;

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article beingloosened as a remote device sends an incremental loosen command to atensioning system;

FIG. 37 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article opened toallow a foot to be removed after a remote device has sent an opencommand to a tensioning system;

FIG. 38 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article offootwear including a tensioning system and a remote bracelet configuredto control a motorized tensioning device of the tensioning system;

FIG. 39 is a schematic process for automatically controlling tension inan article to maintain an initial tension;

FIG. 40 is a schematic process for automatically controlling tensionaccording to a user selected tensioning mode;

FIG. 41 is a schematic isometric view of an alternative embodiment of amotorized tensioning device;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged isometric view of a load-holding mechanism of themotorized tensioning device of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of a portion of a motorizedtensioning device;

FIG. 44 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a load holdingmechanism for a motorized tensioning device;

FIG. 45 is an isometric view of the load holding mechanism of FIG. 44,in which an output ring has been removed;

FIG. 46 is a schematic view of an article of footwear having anattachable tensioning system and showing select components of a solestructure of the footwear;

FIG. 47 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an article offootwear having an attachable tensioning system;

FIG. 48 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an article offootwear having an attachable tensioning system; and

FIG. 49 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an article offootwear having an attachable tensioning system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose articles offootwear and motorized lacing systems for the footwear. Conceptsassociated with the footwear disclosed herein may be applied to avariety of athletic footwear types, including running shoes, basketballshoes, soccer shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, and golf shoes, forexample. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed herein apply to a widevariety of footwear types.

To assist and clarify the subsequent description of various embodiments,various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, thefollowing definitions apply throughout this specification (including theclaims). For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives areemployed throughout this detailed description corresponding to theillustrated embodiments.

The term “longitudinal,” as used throughout this detailed descriptionand in the claims, refers to a direction extending a length of acomponent. For example, a longitudinal direction of an article offootwear extends from a forefoot region to a heel region of the articleof footwear. The term “forward” is used to refer to the generaldirection in which the toes of a foot point, and the term “rearward” isused to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in whichthe heel of the foot is facing.

The term “lateral direction,” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims, refers to a side-to-side directionextending a width of a component. In other words, the lateral directionmay extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article offootwear, with the lateral side of the article of footwear being thesurface that faces away from the other foot, and the medial side beingthe surface that faces toward the other foot.

The term “side,” as used in this specification and in the claims, refersto any portion of a component facing generally in a lateral, medial,forward, or rearward direction, as opposed to an upward or downwarddirection.

The term “vertical,” as used throughout this detailed description and inthe claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both thelateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a soleis planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extendfrom the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of thesedirectional adjectives may be applied to individual components of asole. The term “upward” refers to the vertical direction heading awayfrom a ground surface, while the term “downward” refers to the verticaldirection heading towards the ground surface. Similarly, the terms“top,” “upper,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of anobject substantially furthest from the ground in a vertical direction,and the terms “bottom,” “lower,” and other similar terms refer to theportion of an object substantially closest to the ground in a verticaldirection.

The “interior” of a shoe refers to space that is occupied by a wearer'sfoot when the shoe is worn. The “inner side” of a panel or other shoeelement refers to the face of that panel or element that is (or will be)oriented toward the shoe interior in a completed shoe. The “outer side”or “exterior” of an element refers to the face of that element that is(or will be) oriented away from the shoe interior in the completed shoe.In some cases, the inner side of an element may have other elementsbetween that inner side and the interior in the completed shoe.Similarly, an outer side of an element may have other elements betweenthat outer side and the space external to the completed shoe. Further,the terms “inward” and “inwardly” shall refer to the direction towardthe interior of the shoe, and the terms “outward” and “outwardly” shallrefer to the direction toward the exterior of the shoe.

For purposes of this disclosure, the foregoing directional terms, whenused in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the articleof footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facinggroundward, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearerstanding on a substantially level surface.

In addition, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “fixedlyattached” shall refer to two components joined in a manner such that thecomponents may not be readily separated (for example, without destroyingone or both of the components). Exemplary modalities of fixed attachmentmay include joining with permanent adhesive, rivets, stitches, nails,staples, welding or other thermal bonding, or other joining techniques.In addition, two components may be “fixedly attached” by virtue of beingintegrally formed, for example, in a molding process.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “removably attached” shallrefer to the joining of two components in a manner such that the twocomponents are secured together, but may be readily detached from oneanother. Examples of removable attachment mechanisms may include hookand loop fasteners, friction fit connections, interference fitconnections, threaded connectors, cam-locking connectors, and other suchreadily detachable connectors.

A motorized footwear lacing system may include an article of footwear, amanual lace, and a motorized tensioning system. The motorized tensioningsystem may include a tensile member and a motorized tightening devicethat may be removable and interchangeable with the manual lace. In someembodiments, the lacing system may be provided as a kit of parts,including a container in which a pair of footwear, a pair of motorizedtensioning systems, and a pair of manual laces may be provided. In someembodiments, the motorized tightening device may be removably attachedto the heel portion of the article of footwear. The tensile member mayinclude a cord or other lace-like member that attaches to the motorizedtightening device. In some embodiments, the cord may be laced througheye stays in a lacing region of the article of footwear. Accordingly,when the motorized tightening device and the tensile member are removedfrom the footwear, the manual lace may be laced into the same eye staysin which the tensile member is used.

The motorized tensioning system enables relatively rapid tightening ofthe footwear. In addition, in some embodiments the tightening system mayprovide incremental tightening. Such incremental tightening may enablethe user to achieve a predictable tightness for each wearing. In someembodiments, sensors may be included to monitor tightness. In suchembodiments, the user may also achieve a predictable tightness.

In some cases, using a motorized tensioning device may remove dexterityissues that may occur with other tensioning technologies (pullingstraps, Velcro, and other such manual closure systems). Such a designcould improve the use of footwear for physically impaired or injuredindividuals who may otherwise have a hard time putting on and adjustingtheir footwear. Using the designs proposed here, footwear could betightened via a push button or remote interface.

In some embodiments, the tensioning system may be remotely controlled,for example by a bracelet or hand-held device. In such embodiments,adjustments may be made without the wearer having to stop the activityin which they are participating. For example, a distance runner mayadjust the tightness of their footwear without interrupting theirworkout or competitive event.

In addition, the tensioning system may also be configured to makeautomatic adjustments. For example, using tightness sensors, the systemmay be configured to maintain tightness during wear by adjustingtightness according to changes in the fit. For example, as feet swellduring wear, the tensioning system may release tension on the tensilemember, in order to maintain the initially selected tightness.

In addition, the tensioning system may be configured to adjust thetightness during use to improve performance. For example, as a wearerplaces loads on the footwear during an athletic activity, the system maytighten or loosen the tensile members to achieve desired performancecharacteristics. For example, as a runner proceeds around a curve, thetensioning system may tighten the footwear in order to provideadditional stability and maintain the foot in a centralized positionwithin the footwear. As another example, when a runner is runningdownhill, the tightening system may loosen the footwear to limitadditional forces exerted on the foot as the foot tends to slide towardthe front of the footwear during the downhill run. Numerous otherautomated adjustments may be utilized for performance. Such automatedadjustments may vary for each activity. In addition, the type and amountof such adjustments may be preselected by the user. For instance, usingthe examples above, the user may select whether to tighten or loosen thefootwear while proceeding around a curve. In addition, the user mayselect whether to utilize an automated adjustment at all during certainconditions. For example, the user may choose to implement the adjustmentwhile proceeding around curves, but may opt not to utilize an adjustmentwhen running downhill.

Providing the motorized tensioning system as removable from the articleof footwear may enable the footwear to be used conventionally. Inaddition, removability of the tensioning system may enable components ofthe tensioning system to be repaired or replaced independent of thefootwear. In addition, removability of the tensioning system enables thefootwear to be repaired or replaced independent of the tensioningsystem.

FIG. 1 illustrates a motorized footwear lacing system 1100. As shown inFIG. 1, system 1100 may be a kit of parts. The kit of parts may includea container 1105 configured to store components of the motorizedfootwear lacing system 1100. System 1100 may include a first article offootwear 1100. System 1100 may also include a first manual lace 1116configured to be laced into footwear 1110 in a conventional manner. Lace1116 may be utilized to modify the dimensions of interior void 1165,thereby securing the foot of a wearer within interior void 1165 andfacilitating entry and removal of the foot from interior void 1165.

System 1100 may include a first motorized tensioning system 1120, whichmay include a first tensile member and a first motorized tighteningdevice 1125 configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjustthe size of an internal void defined by footwear 1110. The term “tensilemember,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims,refers to any component that has a generally elongated shape and hightensile strength. In some cases, a tensile member could also have agenerally low elasticity. Examples of different tensile members include,but are not limited to: laces, cables, straps and cords. In some cases,tensile members may be used to fasten and/or tighten an articlefootwear. In other cases, tensile members may be used to apply tensionat a predetermined location for purposes of actuating some components orsystem.

In some embodiments, the tensile member may be provided in sections. Forexample, the tensile member may include a first tensile member portion1130, which may be associated with tightening device 1125. For example,first tensile member portion 1130 may extend through motorizedtightening device 1125, as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the tensilemember may include a second tensile member portion 1135, which may bereleasably attached to first tensile member portion 1130. Also, thetensile member may include a third tensile member portion 1136, whichmay be attachable to first tensile member portion 1130. Second tensilemember portion 1135 and third tensile member portion 1136 may be lacedinto footwear 1110, and thus, replace manual lace 1116. Once secondtensile member portion 1135 and third tensile member portion 1136 arelaced into footwear 1110, second tensile member portion 1135 may bereleasably fastened to third tensile member portion 1136.

Motorized tightening device 1125 and the tensile member may be removablyattached to footwear 1110. In addition, manual lace 1116 may beinterchangeable with the tensile member and motorized tightening device1125.

In some embodiments, system 1100 may include a pair of footwear and thusmay include a second article of footwear 1111. Further, since system1100 may include a pair of footwear, the other components of system 1100may also be provided in pairs. For example, system 1100 may include asecond manual lace 1115. In addition, system 1100 may include a secondmotorized tensioning system 1121. Second motorized tensioning system1121 may include a second motorized tensioning device 1126. Secondmotorized tensioning system 1121 may also include a second tensilemember, including a fourth tensile member portion 1131, a fifth tensilemember portion 1140, and a sixth tensile member portion 1141. Forpurposes of description, only one of each pair of components will bediscussed in detail below.

As further shown in FIG. 1, motorized footwear lacing system 1100 mayinclude a remote device 1145 configured to control motorized tighteningdevice 1125. In some embodiments, remote device 1145 may be provided inthe form of a bracelet, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, remote device1145 may be implemented as a function of a watch. In some embodiments,remote device 1145 may be a hand-held device. For example, remote device1145 may be implemented as a function of a mobile telephone or othermobile device.

Container 1105 may be configured to contain the pair of footwear, thepair of manual laces, and the pair of motorized tensioning systems,including the tensile members and the pair of motorized tighteningdevices. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, container 1105 may bea box, such as a shoe box.

FIG. 2 illustrates the association between tensioning system 1120 andfootwear 1110. For reference purposes, footwear 1110 may be divided intothree general regions: a forefoot region 10, a midfoot region 12, and aheel region 14. Forefoot region 10 generally includes portions offootwear 1110 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting themetatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region 12 generally includesportions of footwear 1110 corresponding with an arch area of the foot.Heel region 14 generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot,including the calcaneus bone. Forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, andheel region 14 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear1110. Rather, forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14are intended to represent general relative areas of footwear 1110 to aidin the following discussion. Since various features of footwear 1110extend beyond one region of footwear 1110, the terms forefoot region 10,midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 apply not only to footwear 1110,but also to the various features of footwear 1110.

Footwear 1110 may include a sole structure 1150 and an upper 1155secured to sole structure 1150. As shown in FIG. 2, upper 1155 mayinclude one or more material elements (for example, meshes, textiles,foam, leather, and synthetic leather), which may be joined to define aninterior void 1165 configured to receive a foot of a wearer. Thematerial elements may be selected and arranged to selectively impartproperties such as light weight, durability, air-permeability,wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. Upper 1155 may define athroat opening 1160 through which a foot of a wearer may be receivedinto void 1165.

Sole structure 1150 may be fixedly attached to upper 1155 (for example,with adhesive, stitching, welding, or other suitable techniques) and mayhave a configuration that extends between upper 1155 and the ground.Sole structure 1150 may include provisions for attenuating groundreaction forces (that is, cushioning and stabilizing the foot duringvertical and horizontal loading). In addition, sole structure 1150 maybe configured to provide traction, impart stability, and control orlimit various foot motions, such as pronation, supination, or othermotions.

The configuration of sole structure 1150 may vary significantlyaccording to one or more types of ground surfaces on which solestructure 1155 may be used. For example, the disclosed concepts may beapplicable to footwear configured for use on any of a variety ofsurfaces, including indoor surfaces or outdoor surfaces. Theconfiguration of sole structure 11150 may vary based on the propertiesand conditions of the surfaces on which footwear 1110 is anticipated tobe used. For example, sole structure 1150 may vary depending on whetherthe surface is harder or softer. In addition, sole structure 1150 may betailored for use in wet or dry conditions.

In some embodiments, sole structure 1150 may be configured for aparticularly specialized surface or condition. For example, in someembodiments, footwear 1110 is illustrated in the accompanying figures asa running shoe and, accordingly, the illustrated sole structure 1150 isconfigured for providing cushioning, stability, and traction on hard,smooth surfaces, such as pavement. The proposed footwear upperconstruction may be applicable to any kind of footwear, however, such asbasketball, soccer, football, and other athletic activities.Accordingly, in some embodiments, sole structure 1150 may be configuredto provide traction and stability on hard indoor surfaces (such ashardwood), soft, natural turf surfaces, or on hard, artificial turfsurfaces. In some embodiments, sole structure 1150 may be configured foruse on a multiple different surfaces.

In some embodiments, sole structure 1150 may include multiplecomponents, which may individually or collectively provide footwear 1110with a number of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility,stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, or other attributes. Insome embodiments, sole structure 1150 may include an insole/sockliner(See FIG. 46), a midsole 1151, and a ground-contacting outer sole member1152, which may have an exposed, ground-contacting lower surface 1153,as shown in FIG. 2. In some cases, however, one or more of thesecomponents may be omitted.

The insole may be disposed in void 1165 defined by upper 1155. Theinsole may extend through each of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12,and heel region 14, and between a lateral side and medial side offootwear 1110. The insole may be formed of a deformable (for example,compressible) material, such as polyurethane foams, or other polymerfoam materials. Accordingly, the insole may, by virtue of itscompressibility, provide cushioning, and may also conform to the foot inorder to provide comfort, support, and stability.

Midsole 1151 may be fixedly attached to a lower area of upper 1155 (forexample, through stitching, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding (such aswelding), or other techniques), or may be integral with upper 1155.Midsole 1151 may extend through each of forefoot region 10, midfootregion 12, and heel region 14, and between a lateral side and medialside of footwear 100. In some embodiments, portions of midsole 1151 maybe exposed around the periphery of footwear 1110, as shown in FIG. 2. Inother embodiments, midsole 1151 may be completely covered by otherelements, such as material layers from upper 1155. Midsole 1151 may beformed from any suitable material having the properties described above,according to the activity for which footwear 1110 is intended. In someembodiments, midsole 160 may include a foamed polymer material, such aspolyurethane (PU), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), or any other suitablematerial that operates to attenuate ground reaction forces as solestructure 1150 contacts the ground during walking, running, or otherambulatory activities.

As shown in FIG. 2, footwear 1110 may include a tongue 2270, which maybe provided in a lacing region 1175. In some embodiments, lacing region1175 may be provided in an instep region of footwear 1110, as shown inFIG. 2. However, in other embodiments, the lacing region may be providedin other portions of the article of footwear. (See FIGS. 48 and 49.)

As shown in FIG. 2, footwear 1110 may include a plurality of eye staysin lacing region 1175 configured to receive a lace. For example,footwear 1110 may include a first eye stay 1181, a second eye stay 1182,a third eye stay 1183, and a fourth eye stay 1184 on a first side oflacing region 1175. In addition, footwear 1110 may include a fifth eyestay 1185, a sixth eye stay 1186, a seventh eye stay 1187, and an eightheye stay 1188 on a second side of lacing region 1175. The eye stays areillustrated schematically in FIG. 2, and may have any suitableconfiguration that will accept a conventional shoelace as well as thetensile member of tensioning system 1120.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the placement of motorized tensioningsystem 1120 when removably attached to footwear 1110. As illustrated bya dashed outline 1137, tensioning system 1120 may be removably attachedto heel region 14 of footwear 1110. Motorized tightening device 1125 maybe disposed in a housing 1190, which may have a shape that conforms withthe heel counter of footwear 1110.

As shown in FIG. 2, housing 1190 may have a first surface 1127configured to mate with a second surface 1128 on upper 1155 of footwear1110. In some embodiments, first surface 1127 and second surface 1128may be removably attached with a hook and loop fastener material 1129.In other embodiments, first surface 1127 and second surface 1128 may beremovably attached with a tongue and groove configuration, including atongue 2300 and groove 2305. Tongue 2300 and groove 2305 are shownoriented in a substantially horizontal position for purposes ofillustration. As implemented, tongue 2300 and groove 2305 may beoriented vertically. In such a vertical orientation, housing 1190 may beslid vertically into position. In other embodiments, first surface 1127and second surface 1128 may be removably attached with an interferencefit or friction fit. For example, a first protruding portion 2310 mayextend into a recess 2315 in an interference fit. The components of sucha friction fit attachment may have any suitable orientation.

It will be noted that the components of these connections may bedisposed on either first surface 1127 or second surface 1128. Forexample, the hook component of the hook and loop fastener 1129 may belocated on either first surface 1127 or second surface 1128. The loopcomponent of hook and loop fastener 1129 may be disposed on the opposingsurface to the hook component. Similarly, tongue 2300 may be located oneither first surface 1127 or second surface 1128 and groove 2305 may belocated on the opposing surface from tongue 2300. Further, protrudingportion 2310 may be located on either first surface 1127 or secondsurface 1128 and recess 2315 may be located on the opposing surface fromprotruding portion 2310. These disclosed removable connections areintended to be exemplary only. Alternative types of removableconnections are also possible including, for example, threadedfasteners, cam-lock fasteners, spring clip type fasteners, and otherremovable connection mechanisms.

As shown in FIG. 2 by dashed line 1137, the tensile member may be lacedthrough the eyelets in lacing region 1175, in the same or similar manneras a manual lace. For example, third tensile member portion 1135 may bethreaded through fifth eyelet 185, second eyelet 182, seventh eyelet1187, and fourth eyelet 1184. Similarly, fourth tensile member portion1136 may be threaded through first eyelet 1181, sixth eyelet 1186, thirdeyelet 1183, and eighth eyelet 1188. Since third tensile member portion1135 and fourth tensile member portion 1136 may be detachable from firsttensile member portion 1130, third tensile member portion 1135 andfourth tensile member portion 1136 may be laced through the eyelets fromeither end. It will be noted that the mechanical connectors connectingthe portions of the tensile member together are shown schematically andare shown enlarged for purposes of illustration. For example, a coupling1235 at the distal ends of third tensile member portion 1135 an fourthtensile member portion 1136 may include a first connector portion 1240and a second connector portion 1245. First connector portion 1240 andsecond female portion 1245 may be sized and configured to be lacedthrough the eyelets in lacing region 1175.

A method of changing the lacing system of footwear 1110 may includeremoving the tensile member, motorized tightening device 1125, and apower source from the article of footwear and lacing a manual lace intofootwear 1110. In some embodiments, lacing a manual lace into thearticle of footwear includes lacing the manual lace into the eye staysfrom which the tensile member of system 1120 was removed. The step ofremoving motorized tightening device 1125 from footwear 1110 may includedetaching housing 1190 from upper 1155 of footwear 1110.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of article of footwear 1110 withtensioning system 1120 removably installed. As shown in FIG. 3, housing1190 is removably attached to a heel portion of footwear 1110. Inaddition, third tensile member portion 1135 and fourth tensile memberportion 1136 are laced into the eye stays, including first eye stay1181, second eye stay 1182, fifth eye stay 1185, and sixth eye stay1186. The remainder of the lacing region has been truncated in FIG. 3for purposes of illustration.

As shown in FIG. 3, tensioning system 1120 may include motorizedtightening device 1125 configured to apply tension in the tensile memberto adjust the size of internal void 1165 defined by footwear 1110.Tightening device may be disposed within housing 1190.

As also shown in FIG. 3, system 1120 may include a power source 1205configured to supply power to motorized tightening device 1125. Housing1190 may be configured to house motorized tightening device 1125 andpower source 1205, as well as first tensile member portion 1130.

In some embodiments, power source 1205 may include one or morebatteries. Power source 1205 is only intended as a schematicrepresentation of one or more types of battery technologies that couldbe used to power motorized tightening device 1125. One possibly batterytechnology that could be used is a lithium polymer battery. The battery(or batteries) could be rechargeable or replaceable units packaged asflat, cylindrical, or coin shaped. In addition, batteries could besingle cell or cells in series or parallel.

Rechargeable batteries could be recharged in place or removed from anarticle for recharging. In some embodiments, charging circuitry could bebuilt in and on board. In other embodiments, charging circuitry could belocated in a remote charger. In another embodiment, inductive chargingcould be used for charging one or more batteries. For example, acharging antenna could be disposed in a sole structure of an article andthe article could then be placed on a charging mat to recharge thebatteries.

Additional provisions could be incorporated to maximize battery powerand/or otherwise improve use. For example, it is also contemplated thatbatteries could be used in combination with super caps to handle peakcurrent requirements. In other embodiments, energy harvesting techniquescould be incorporated which utilize the weight of the runner and eachstep to generate power for charging a battery.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of motorized tensioning system 1120.FIG. 4 includes a cutaway view of housing 1190 exposing components ofsystem 1120 located within housing 1190. For example, FIG. 4 showsmotorized tightening device 1125. FIG. 4 shows an outer housing oftightening device 1125. The inner winding mechanisms of tighteningdevice 1125 are discussed in greater detail below. As shown in FIG. 4,tightening device 1125 may be configured to apply tension to the tensilemember by drawing first tensile member portion 1130 into tighteningdevice 1125, as illustrated by a first arrow 1225 and a second arrow1230. It will be noted that the routing of first tensile member portion1130 is merely schematic, and more complicated arrangements for suchrouting are possible.

Also exposed in FIG. 4 is power source 1205, as well as a control unit1215. Control unit 1215 may include various circuitry components. Inaddition, control unit 1215 may include a processor, configured tocontrol motorized tightening device 1125. As shown in FIG. 4, tensioningsystem 1120 may include a first electrical cable 1210 extending betweenpower source 1205 and motorized tightening device 1125. In addition, asecond electrical cable 1220 may extend between control unit 1215 andtightening device 1125. First electrical cable 1210 and secondelectrical cable 1220 may be configured to deliver electrical power, aswell as electronic communication signals, between power source 1205,tightening device 1125, and control unit 1215.

Control unit 1215 is only intended as a schematic representation of oneor more control technologies that could be used with motor tighteningdevice 1125. For example, there are various approaches to motor controlthat may be employed to allow speed and direction control. For someembodiments, a microcontroller unit may be used. The microcontroller mayuse internal interrupt generated timing pulses to create pulse-widthmodulation (PWM) output. This PWM output is fed to an H-bridge whichallows high current PWM pulses to drive the motor both clockwise andcounterclockwise with speed control. However, any other methods of motorcontrol known in the art could also be used.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of tensioning system 1120 installed onfootwear 1110. As shown in FIG. 5, housing 1190 may be configured to beremovably attached to a heel portion of footwear 1110. Further,tightening device 1125, power source 1205, and control unit 1215 may behoused within housing 1190, which may function to receive and protectthese components. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, when housing1190 is attached to the heel portion of footwear 1110, motorizedtensioning device 1125 may be disposed in a rearmost portion of footwear1110. This positioning may facilitate the application of tension totensile members on both a medial side 1260 and a lateral side 1265 offootwear 1110.

In other embodiments, however, any of these components could be disposedin any other portions of an article, including the upper and/or solestructure. In some cases, some components could be disposed in oneportion of an article and other components could be disposed in another,different, portion. In another embodiment motorized tensioning device1125 could be disposed at the heel of an upper, while power source 1205and/or control unit 1215 could be disposed with a sole structure offootwear 1110. For example, in one embodiment the power source andcontrol unit may be disposed under midfoot region 12 of article 1110with a cable connection (or a simple electrical contact connection) tomotorized tensioning device 1125, which may be disposed in heel region14. In still other embodiments, a power source and a control unit couldbe integrated into a motorized tensioning device. For example, in someembodiments, both a battery and a control unit could be disposed withinan outer housing of motorized tensioning device 1125.

Further, in some embodiments, housing 1190 may be configured to wrap atleast partially around medial side 1260 and lateral side 1265 of theheel portion of footwear 1110, as also shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5,control unit 1215 is shown on medial side 1260 in heel region 14 offootwear 1110. Power source 1205 is shown on lateral side 1265 in heelregion 14 of footwear 1110. The positions of control unit 1215 and powersource 1205 may be reversed in some embodiments. However, it may beadvantageous to locate the thinner component on the medial side 1260 offootwear 1110. This may enable housing 1190 to have a lower profile onmedial side 1260 than on lateral side 1265 (as shown in FIG. 5), whichmay minimize the amount of housing 1190 that extends medially and couldinterfere with the footwear on the other foot of the wearer.

FIG. 6 is a partial view of lacing region 1175 of footwear 1110 with thetensile member of the tensioning system installed. As shown in FIG. 6,third tensile member portion 1135 is laced through seventh eyelet 1187and fourth eyelet 1184. In addition, fourth tensile member portion 1136is laced through third eyelet 1183 and eighth eyelet 1188. As shown inFIG. 6, the tensile member may include a manual release mechanism formanually decoupling third tensile member portion 1135 from a fourthtensile member portion 1136. For example, a coupling 1235 may includefirst connector portion 1240 at the distal end of third tensile memberportion 1135, and second connector portion 1245 at the distal end offourth tensile member portion 1135. As shown in FIG. 6, in someembodiments, the manual release mechanism, such as coupling 1235, may belocated in an instep region of footwear 1110.

Coupling 1235 may be a readily decoupled manually, in order to enableremoval of the tensile member from the article of footwear. Such manualdecoupling may facilitate removal of the motorized tensioning systemfrom footwear 1110. This manual release mechanism may also enable thetension in the tensile member to be released in the event of amalfunction or low battery power. Exemplary manual release mechanismsmay include any suitable connector types. In some embodiments, threadedconnections may be utilized. For example, first connector portion 1240may include a male threaded portion and second connector portion 1245may include a female threaded portion. In order to decouple coupling1235, first connector portion 1240 and second connector portion 1245 maybe twisted, for example in the directions of a first arrow 1250 and asecond arrow 1255. While FIG. 6 illustrates a threaded coupling, inother embodiments the tensile member could utilized any other fasteningprovisions including a snap fit connector, a hook and receiver typeconnector, or any other kinds of manual fasteners known in the art.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary manual release systemfor tensile members. Referring to FIG. 7, article 1000 may be similar toprevious embodiments and can include a tensioning system 1002 with alace 1004 and a motorized tensioning device 1006. In this embodiment, aportion of lace 1004 is equipped with a manual release mechanism 1010.In the embodiment shown here, manual release mechanism 1010 includescorresponding fasteners 1012 that can be manually disconnected torelieve lace tension. In some cases, fasteners 1012 comprise a threadedcoupling, as shown in FIG. 7. However, other embodiments could utilizedany other fastening provisions including a snap fit connector, a hookand receiver type connector, or any other kinds of fasteners known inthe art.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an isometric view and isometric exploded view,respectively, of an embodiment of the internal components of motorizedtensioning device 160. Referring first to FIG. 8, the components areshown within a portion of housing unit 212. Housing unit 212 may furtherinclude an inner housing portion 216 and an outer housing portion 218.Outer housing portion 218 may include a base panel 210 as well as anouter cover 214, and generally provides a protective outer covering forcomponents of motorized tensioning device 160. Inner housing portion 216may be shaped to support components of motorized tensioning device 160.In some cases, portions of inner housing portion 216 function to limitthe mobility of some components, as discussed in detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, in some embodiments, motorizedtensioning system 160 may comprise motor 220 (shown schematically inFIG. 9). In some embodiments, motor 220 may be an electric motor.However, in other embodiments, motor 220 could comprise any kind ofnon-electric motor known in the art. Examples of different motors thatcan be used include, but are not limited to: DC motors (such aspermanent-magnet motors, brushed DC motors, brushless DC motors,switched reluctance motors, etc.), AC motors (such as motors withsliding rotors, synchronous electrical motors, asynchronous electricalmotors, induction motors, etc.), universal motors, stepper motors,piezoelectric motors, as well as any other kinds of motors known in theart. Motor 220 may further include a motor crankshaft 222 that can beused to drive one or more components of motorized tensioning system 160.Provisions for powering motor 220, including various kinds of batteries,are discussed in detail below.

In some embodiments, motorized tensioning system 160 can includeprovisions for reducing the output speed of, and increasing the torquegenerated by, motor 220. In some embodiments, motorized tensioningsystem 160 can include one or more gear reduction assemblies and/or gearreduction systems. In some embodiments, motorized tensioning system 160may include a single gear reduction assembly. In other embodiments,motorized tensioning system 160 may include two or more gear reductionassemblies. In one embodiment, motorized tensioning system 160 includesfirst gear reduction assembly 230 and second gear reduction assembly232, which may be collectively referred to as gear reduction system 228.First gear reduction assembly 230 may be an in-line spur gear reductionassembly that is generally aligned with motor 220 and/or crankshaft 222.In contrast, second gear reduction assembly 232 may provide additionalgear reduction that extends in a generally perpendicular direction tothe orientation of crankshaft 222. With respect to housing unit 212,first gear reduction assembly 230 may extend in a longitudinal directionof housing unit 212 while second gear reduction assembly 232 may extendin a lateral (or horizontal) direction of housing unit 212. By using acombination of in-line gears and horizontally spaced gears, relative tothe orientation of crankshaft 222, motor 220 can be arranged in parallelwith a spool and corresponding spool shaft (as discussed in furtherdetail below). This arrangement may reduce the longitudinal spacerequired to fit all the components of motorized tensioning device 160within housing unit 212.

Each gear reduction assembly can comprise one or more gears. In theexemplary embodiment, first gear reduction assembly 230 comprises one ormore in-line spur gears. Moreover, first gear reduction assembly 230 maybe driven by crankshaft 222 and itself drives a first gear 234 of secondgear reduction assembly 232.

In one embodiment, second gear reduction assembly 232 may be configuredwith 4 stages of spur gears, including a first gear 234, a second gear235, a third gear 236 and a fourth gear 237. In this embodiment, fourthgear 237 acts as a clamping gear for turning additional components ofmotorized tensioning device 160, as described in further detail below.The current embodiment of second gear reduction assembly 232 includesfour gears. However, other embodiments could use any other number ofgears. Likewise, the number of gears comprising first gear reductionassembly 230 may vary in different embodiments. Additionally, indifferent embodiments, the type of gears used in first gear reductionassembly 230 and/or second gear assembly 232 could vary. In some cases,spur gears may be used. Other examples of gears that may be usedinclude, but are not limited to: helical gears, external gears, internalgears, bevel gears, crown gears, worm gears, non-circular gears, rackand pinion gears, epicyclic gears, planetary gears, harmonic drivegears, cage gears, magnetic gears as well as any other kinds of gearsand/or any combinations of various kinds of gears. The number, type andarrangement of gears for gear reduction system 228 may be selected toachieve the desired tradeoff between size, torque and speed of themotorized tensioning system 160.

In some embodiments, motorized tensioning system 160 can includeprovisions for winding and unwinding portions of a lace. In someembodiments, motorized tensioning system 160 can include spool 240. Insome cases, spool 240 may further comprise a first receiving portion 242and a second receiving portion 244 for receiving a lace and a portion ofa spring, respectively. Moreover, in some cases, first receiving portion242 may comprise a first lace winding region 246 and a second lacewinding region 248, which in some cases can be used to separately windtwo ends of a lace. Since torque output goes down as the lace builds upin diameter, using separate winding regions for each lace end may helpdecrease the diameter of wound lace on spool 240 and thereby minimizetorque output reduction. In some cases, first lace winding region 246and second lace winding region 248 may be separated by a dividingportion 249, which may include a lace receiving channel 247 forpermanently retaining a portion of the lace on spool 240. In othercases, however, first receiving portion 242 may comprise a single lacewinding region.

Motorized lacing system 160 may include provisions for transferringtorque between a final drive gear of second gear reduction assembly 232and spool 240. In some embodiments, motorized lacing system 160 mayinclude provisions for transferring torque from second gear reductionassembly 232 (or more generally from gear reduction system 228) to spool240 in a manner that allows for incremental tightening, incrementalloosening and full loosening of a lace. In one embodiment, motorizedlacing system 160 may be configured with a torque transmitting system250 that facilitates the transmission of torque from fourth gear 237 ofsecond gear reduction assembly 232 to spool 240.

Torque transmitting system 250 may further comprise various assembliesand components. In some embodiments, torque transmitting system 250 mayinclude a ratcheting assembly 252, a shaft 254 and a rotation controlassembly 256. As discussed in further detail below, the components oftorque transmitting system 250 operate to transmit torque from fourthgear 237 of second gear reduction assembly 232 to spool 240. Morespecifically, these components operate in a manner that allows forincremental tightening (spool winding), incremental loosening (spoolunwinding) as well as full tension release (during which timesubstantially no torque is transferred from fourth gear 237 to spool240).

In some embodiments, motorized tensioning device 160 may further includea secondary winding assembly 260. In some embodiments, secondary windingassembly 260 may be configured to apply torque to spool 240independently of any torque applied by motor 220. In some cases, forexample, secondary winding assembly 260 comprises a spring member 262and a rotatable spring bearing 264. Spring member 262 may extendsbetween second receiving portion 244 of spool 240 and spring bearing264. In particular, a first end portion 263 of spring member 262 may beassociated with spool 240 while a second end portion 265 of springmember 262 may be associated with spring bearing 264. In operation,spring member 262 may be configured to apply a biasing torque that maytend to rotate spool 240 in the lace winding direction in the absence ofother forces or torques (for example when there is slack in the lace).Spring member 262 could be a wind-up spring, a constant force spring, aconstant torque spring, a clock spring as well as any other kind ofspring.

Some embodiments can also include a fixed bearing 266, which may beassociated with an end of shaft 254. In some embodiments, fixed bearing266 may be received within a recess 268 of inner housing portion 216. Insome embodiments, an end of shaft 254 may be disposed within opening 269of fixed bearing 266, and may be configured so that shaft 254 can slidethrough opening 269 to provide some axial movement for shaft 254.

In some embodiments, motorized tensioning device 160 may includeprovisions for adjusting the operation of motor 220 according to one ormore feedback signals. In some embodiments, for example, motorizedtensioning device 160 may include a limit switch assembly 258.Generally, limit switch assembly 258 may detect current across portionsof rotation control assembly 256 and vary the operation of motor 220according to the detected current. Further details on the operation oflimit switch assembly 258 are discussed in detail below.

For purposes of reference, the following detailed description uses theterms “first rotational direction” and “second rotational direction” indescribing the rotational directions of one or more components about anaxis. For purposes of convenience, the first rotational direction andthe second rotational direction refer to rotational directions about alongitudinal axis 284 (see FIG. 12) of shaft 254 and are generallyopposite rotational directions. The first rotational direction may referto the clockwise rotation of a component about longitudinal axis 284,when viewing the component from the vantage point of first end portion620 of shall 254. First end portion 620 of shaft 254 may be the endportion associated with fourth gear 237. The second rotational directionmay be then be characterized by the counterclockwise rotation of acomponent about longitudinal axis 284, when viewing the component fromthe same vantage point.

A brief overview of the operation of motorized tensioning device 160 isdescribed here. A detailed description of the operation is given below.In the incremental tighten mode motor 220 may begin operating in orderto rotate crankshaft 222. Crankshaft 222 may turn an input gear of firstgear reduction assembly 230, such that the output gear of first gearreduction assembly 230 drives first gear 234 of second gear reductionassembly 232. The intermediate second gear 235 and third gear 236 bothrotate, which drives fourth gear 237 in the first rotational direction.As fourth gear 237 rotates, fourth gear 237 may engage and drive torquetransmitting system 250 such that spool 240 may eventually begin torotate in the first rotational direction. This causes lace 152 to windonto first receiving portion 242 of spool 240.

In the incremental loosen mode, motor 220 may operate to rotatecrankshaft 222. In the loosening mode, motor 220 and crankshaft 222 turnin an opposite direction of the direction associated with tightening.The gear reduction system 228 is then driven such that fourth gear 237of second gear reduction assembly 32 rotates in the second rotationaldirection. In contrast to the incremental tighten mode, in theincremental loosen mode fourth gear 237 does not directly drive portionsof torque transmitting system 250 and spool 240. Instead, the motion offourth gear 237 in the second rotational direction causes torquetransmitting system 250 to momentarily release spool 240, allowing spool240 to unwind by a predetermined amount after which torque transmittingsystem 250 reengages spool 240 and prevents further unwinding. Thissequence of releasing and catching spool 240 occurs over and over aslong as fourth gear 237 rotates in the second rotational direction.Further details of the method by which this incremental loosening isachieved is described in detail below.

Finally, in the open or fully loosen mode, torque transmitting system250 operates so that substantially no torque is transmitted to spool 240from any components of torque transmitting system 250. During this mode,spool 240 may rotate more easily in the unwinding direction about shaft254 (for example, as a wearer manually loosens lace 152 to take offarticle 100). As slack forms along the lace, secondary winding assembly260 may apply a small amount of torque to second receiving portion 244of spool 240, which acts to wind up slack in lace 152.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate various schematic views of the componentscomprising torque transmitting system 250. For purposes of clarity,these components are shown in isolation from other parts of motorizedtightening device 160. Additionally, some components are not shown ormay be shown in phantom in some views to reveal interior components.

Referring first to FIGS. 10 and 11, ratcheting assembly 252 may compriseseveral components including fourth gear 237, pawl member 600 andratchet housing 602 (ratchet housing 602 is not shown in FIG. 11 tobetter show the relative positions of fourth gear 237, pawl member 600and spool 240). Fourth gear 237 may include an extended boss portion604. In some embodiments, the extended boss portion 604 further includesa frictional face 606 that contacts pawl member 600. Fourth gear 237 mayalso include an internally threaded cavity 608 that may engage threadingon shaft 254. For purposes of convenience, fourth gear 237 ischaracterized as part of both ratcheting assembly 252 and second gearreduction assembly 232 as fourth gear 237 acts as an element thatconfronts and directly drives pawl member 600 and also as a finaldriving gear of second gear reduction assembly 232. In particular, it isto be understood that characterizing fourth gear 237 as part of oneassembly does not preclude it from being associated with a differentassembly.

In some embodiments, pawl member 600 is configured to interface withratchet housing 602. In particular, teeth 610, which extend frompawlarms 611, may engage with corresponding teeth 612 on ratchet housing602. In some cases the geometry of pawl arms 611 and teeth 610 providean arrangement where pawl member 600 can rotate within ratchet housing602 in a first rotational direction, but pawl member 600 is preventedfrom rotating within ratchet housing 602 in a second rotationaldirection that is opposite of the first rotational direction.

In some embodiments, pawl member 600 includes a boss engaging surface614 that confronts and can engage frictional face 606 of fourth gear237. When frictional face 606 of fourth gear 237 is brought into contactwith boss engaging surface 614 of pawl member 600, fourth gear 237 maydrive pawl member 600. Moreover, the one-way ratchet design ofratcheting assembly 252 ensures that fourth gear 237 may only drive pawlmember 600 in a first rotational direction.

Pawl member 600 may include a spool engaging surface 616 (see also FIG.16) which confronts a first end 670 of spool 240. When spool engagingsurface 616 is pressed against spool 240 with enough frictional force,pawl member 600 may be used to drive spool 240 in the first rotationaldirection. Thus, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, with fourth gear237, pawl member 600 and spool 240 all clamped together under sufficientfrictional force, fourth gear 237 may act to drive pawl member 600 andthus spool 240.

Ratcheting assembly 252 is only intended to be exemplary of a one-waytorque transmitting mechanism that may be used to transmit torque to aspool. Other embodiments are not limited to ratchet-like mechanisms andcould include other one-way mechanisms. Examples of other one-waymechanisms that could be used include, but are not limited to: rollerbearings, sprag clutches, ratcheting wheel and pawl as well as othermechanisms.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate various views of additional components of torquetransmitting system 250, including shaft 254 and rotation controlassembly 256. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates an isolated explodedview of shaft 254 and rotation control assembly 256, while FIGS. 13-14illustrate assembled views of some portions of these components fromvarious perspectives.

Shaft 254 may comprise a first end portion 620. In some embodiments,first end portion 620 may include threading 624. In some cases,threading 624 may engage internally threaded cavity 608 (see FIG. 10) offourth gear 237, which may facilitate the relative axial movement offourth gear 237 along shaft 254. Shaft 254 may also include a second endportion 622 that engages opening 269 of fixed bearing 266. In someembodiments, an intermediate portion 626 of shaft 254 may be disposedbetween first end portion 620 and second end portion 622.

Various portions of shaft 254 are configured to receive components oftorque transmitting system 250 and spool 240. First end portion 620 andsecond end portion 622 may be associated with ratcheting assembly 252and rotation control assembly 256, respectively. Intermediate portion626 may be inserted within a central cavity 690 of spool 240 (see FIG.15), such that spool 240 may rotate about intermediate portion 262.

In some embodiments, intermediate portion 626 of shaft 254 furtherincludes a flange portion 628 that extends radially outwards from shaft254. Flange portion 628 may include a spool engaging surface 630 thatcontacts spool 240. An opposing surface of flange portion 628 (notshown) may confront rotation control assembly 256. In some embodiments,flange portion 628 may include one or more slots 632.

In some embodiments, rotation control assembly 256 may include anengagement plate 640 and a compression spring 642. In some embodiments,engagement plate 640 further includes pins 644 that extend towardsengagement plate 640 and spool 240. In some embodiments, pins 644 may beinserted through slots 632 of flange portion 628. Moreover, in somecases, pins 644 may be inserted into alignment holes 650 of spool 240(see FIG. 15), which prevents shaft 254 and spool 240 from rotatingindependently of one another.

As seen in FIGS. 12-14, the components of rotation control assembly 256are disposed along second end portion 622 of shaft 254. In someembodiments, compression spring 642 may be disposed between engagementplate 640 and fixed bearing 266 so that compression spring 642 may actto bias engagement plate 640 in an axial direction towards flangeportion 628 and spool 240.

In other embodiments, alternate methods could be used for releasablycoupling a shaft and spool. Examples include other kinds of physicalinterlocking features or including friction increasing features. As oneexample, axial compliant friction coupling could be achieved using awave washer or Belleville washer.

FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment spool 240 inisolation. As previously described, spool 240 includes provisions forreceiving pins 644 of engagement plate 640. In this case, four alignmentholes 650 are approximately evenly spaced about a second end face 673.Additionally, this particular view of spool 240 clearly illustrates aslot 675 that may be used for retaining an end of spring member 262.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the components of torque transmitting system250 are shown in their assembled configuration along shaft 254. Forpurposes of reference, spool 240 is shown in phantom on shaft 254. Inaddition, a cross-sectional portion of inner housing portion 216 isshown for reference. As also seen in FIG. 8, when installed within innerhousing portion 216, some components of torque transfer system 250 areconstrained from any axial movement. For example, spool 240 and ratchethousing 602 are constrained from moving in an axial direction (or alonga longitudinal direction of shaft 254). In contrast, fourth gear 237,which is threaded along first end portion 620 of shaft 254, can rotateabout shaft 254 and translate axially (because of the threadedengagement) along shaft 254. In some embodiments, a wall portion 652 ofinner housing portion 216 limits the axial motion of fourth gear 237 ina direction away from ratcheting assembly 252.

The arrangement shown here for torque transmitting system 250 alsoallows for both rotation and axial translation of shaft 254. Inparticular, second end portion 622 of shaft 254 may slide through fixedbearing 266, while first end portion 620 of shaft 254 is disposed in achannel 660 of inner housing portion 216 (see FIG. 8) that also allowsfor some axial motion of shaft 254. In some embodiments, the amount ofaxial translation may be limited by features including contact betweenflange portion 628 and spool 240, as well as possibly other features.

FIGS. 17 through 26 illustrate schematic views of torque transmittingsystem 250 and spool 240 for purposes of illustrating the operation oftorque transmitting system 250 during incremental tightening,incremental loosening and full loosening. Referring first to FIG. 17,torque transmitting system 250 is in a configuration where the lace isfully loosened. More specifically, this configuration is one in which notorque is transmitted to spool 240 from torque transmitting system 250.In this configuration, fourth gear 237 may be spaced away from pawlmember 600 (disposed within ratchet housing 602) so that no torque istransmitted from fourth gear 237 to pawl member 600. Furthermore,without fourth gear 237 to provide any clamping pressure against pawlmember 600 and spool 240, spool 240 may rotate without any substantialresistance at first end portion 670 from pawl member 600. Furthermore,in this configuration engagement plate 640 and flange portion 628 arespaced apart from second end 672 of spool 640, so that spool 240 alsodoes not undergo any resistance to rotation at second end 672. Althoughfeatures of inner housing portion 612 prevent any axial motion of spool240, in this configuration spool 240 may rotate in a first rotationaldirection or a second rotational direction. As previously described,spool 240 may be biased to rotate in a first rotational direction (i.e.,lace winding direction) by secondary winding assembly 260 (not shown),which applies a biasing torque to spool at second receiving portion 244.However, this biasing force may be just large enough to pull in slackand can be overcome relatively easily by a wearer pulling on the lacesto unwind them from spool 240. Thus, spool 240 may rotate relativelyfreely in this configuration, though spool 240 will be biased to wind inslack in the absence of tension applied by the lace to spool 240.

As also shown in FIG. 17, in this fully loosened configuration thecontacts 259 of limit switch assembly 258 are pressed against engagementplate 640. This contact with engagement plate 640 provides continuityfor the switch, so that current may flow between contacts 259.

FIG. 18 shows the operation of torque transmitting system 250 as motor220 (not shown) begins to rotate. Initially, motor 220 drives gearreduction system 228, so that fourth gear 237 is rotated in the firstrotational direction (represented schematically by arrow 700). As fourthgear 237 rotates in the first rotational direction, fourth gear 237translates axially (indicated by arrow 702) towards pawl member 600because of the threaded interface between fourth gear 237 and shaft 254.Fourth gear 237 continues to rotate and translate axially untilfrictional face 606 of boss portion 604 contacts and presses againstboss engaging surface 614 of pawl member 600. At this point, the preloadfrom compression spring 642 may provide some drag on engagement plate640 and flange portion 628 (which are coupled) to keep shaft 254 fromrotating while fourth gear 237 translates axially along shaft 254.Without this drag, or another source of friction or drag, shaft 254 maybe inclined to turn with fourth gear 237 so that fourth gear 237 wouldnot translate axially.

FIG. 19 shows the operation of torque transmitting system 250 in aconfiguration where spool 240 may begin to wind in lace (i.e., torquetransmitting system 250 is in the incremental tighten mode). In thiscase, motor 220 continues to drive fourth gear 237 in the firstrotational direction (indicated schematically as arrow 700), thoughcontact with pawl member 600 prevents any further axial translation offourth gear 237 along shaft 254. Therefore, as fourth gear 237 continuesto turn, shaft 254 is translated axially (indicated schematically asarrow 706) so that first end portion 620 translates further from spool240. As shaft 254 translates axially, flange portion 628 compressesagainst second end 672 of spool 240, allowing pins 644 to engagealignment holes (see FIG. 15) of spool 254. This locks shaft 254 andspool 240 together and prevents relative rotation of the two components.The contact between flange portion 628 and spool 240 prevents anyfurther axial translation of shaft 254. At this point, with ratchetingassembly 252 clamped against first end portion 670 of spool 240, furtherdriving of fourth gear 237 acts to rotate spool 240 in the firstrotational direction (indicated schematically by arrow 708). As long asmotor 240 continues to drive fourth gear 237, lace may be wound ontospool 240.

It can also be seen in FIG. 19 that as flange 628 moves towards spool240 and engagement plate 640 follows under the force of compressionspring 642, limit switch assembly 258 is separated from engagement plate640. This breaks the continuity of current between contacts 259.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate close up schematic views of some components.For purposes of illustration, a schematic lace 720 is shown with spool240. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, ratcheting assembly 252 ensures thattorque can only be transmitted from fourth gear 237 to pawl member 600and spool 240, and not vice versa. In particular, the one-way operationof ratcheting assembly 252 prevents torque generated by spool 240 fromturning pawl member 600, fourth gear 237 and ultimately motor 220. Inother words, as previously described, ratcheting assembly 252 functionsas a load-holding mechanism that prevents spool 240 from unintentionallyrotating in the second rotational direction (i.e., the unwindingdirection). This arrangement may help prevent spool 240 from backwinding motor 220 in situations where motor 220 stops or the torqueapplied to spool 240 by the lace exceeds to torque applied to the spoolby fourth gear 237.

FIGS. 22-25 show the operation of torque transmitting system 250 in anincremental loosen mode. In some embodiments, incremental loosening mayoccur in several stages. During a first stage, shown in FIGS. 22 and 23,motor 220 is operated to drive fourth gear 237 in the second rotationaldirection (indicated schematically as arrow 730). This causes fourthgear 237 to translate axially away from pawl member 600 and spool 240 ina direction indicated schematically by arrow 732. As fourth gear 237translates away from pawl member 600, the clamping force between fourthgear 237, pawl member 600 and first end 670 of spool 240 is released.During a second stage, shown in FIG. 24, tension in the lace then causesspool 240 to rotate in the second rotational direction (indicatedschematically by arrow 734). Because spool 240 and shaft 254 arephysically locked together at this stage, shaft 254 rotates along withspool 240 in the second rotational direction (indicated schematically byarrow 736). As shaft 254 rotates the threaded engagement between shaft254 and fourth gear 237 (as well as the resistance to the rotation offourth gear 237 provided by gear reduction system 228 and motor 220)causes fourth gear 237 to translate axially towards pawl member 600. Inthe last stage, shown in FIG. 25, fourth gear 237, pawl member 600 andspool 240 are clamped together, which prevents spool 240 from furtherrotation in the second rotational direction. These three stages may berepeated in succession to incrementally unwind lace from spool 240.

FIG. 26 shows the operation of torque transmitting system 250 in a fullyloosen mode (or full release mode). Referring to FIG. 26, motor 220 maydrive fourth gear 237 to rotate in the second rotational direction(indicated schematically by arrow 740) until the lace tension is lowenough that spool 240 no longer unwinds. In some embodiments, fourthgear 237 may continue to rotate until fourth gear 237 encounters a hardstop provided by wall portion 652 of inner housing portion 216. Withfourth gear 237 unable to translate further, continued driving of fourthgear 237 by motor 220 results in shaft 254 translating axially in thedirection indicated schematically by arrow 742 until engagement plate628 is no longer locked with spool 240 (i.e., until pins 644 disengagedfrom alignment holes 650 of spool 240). At this point, engagement plate640 touches contacts 259 of limit switch assembly 258, therebycompleting the limit switch continuity, which further causes motor 220to stop. This leaves spool 240 in a fully loosened state and able torotate relatively freely, though with some biasing in the firstrotational direction provided by secondary winding assembly 260.

A secondary winding assembly may be configured to operate substantiallyindependently of a torque transmitting system. This may allow thewinding assembly to draw in slack during various stages of operation ofthe torque transmitting system. In particular, the secondary windingassembly may be configured to draw in slack in a tensile member (e.g.,lace), which could occur during tightening, loosening and fullyloosening of the tensile member.

FIGS. 27 through 29 illustrate schematic isometric views of someportions of motorized tightening device 160. More specifically, FIGS. 27through 29 are intended to illustrate the general operation of secondarywinding assembly 260 during different operating modes of the system.FIG. 27 illustrates a configuration of motor tightening device 160operating in a tightening mode. In this mode, fourth gear 237, incooperation with torque transmitting system 250, drives spool 240 in afirst rotational direction and thereby winds lace 800 around spool 240.In this mode, spring member 262 may be wound from spool 240 to springbearing 264 as spool 240 is driven by the motor.

Referring next to FIG. 28, when motorized tightening device 160 operatesin a fully loosened mode, the tension of lace 800 rotates spool 240 inthe second winding direction and unwinds lace 800 from spool 240. Asspool 240 winds in the second rotational direction, spring member 262may unwind from spring bearing 264 and onto second receiving portion 244of spool 240. This allows spring member 262 to return to a defaultconfiguration, in which secondary winding assembly 260 tends to biasspool 240 in the winding direction to draw in slack.

Referring next to FIG. 29, motorized tightening device 160 is operatingin a mode where no torque is being supplied to spool 240 by a motor. Inaddition, slack has developed in lace 800 so that lace 800 is notapplying much torque to spool 240 either. In this situation, secondarywinding assembly 260 provides a biasing force to wind spool 240 in thefirst rotational direction, as spring member 262 unwinds from secondreceiving portion 244 of spool 240 and onto spring bearing 264.

Secondary winding assembly 260 may improve usability of tensioningsystem 150, by ensuring that slack is rapidly wound up when motor 220 isdisengaged. This is desirable so a user can quickly put the article onor take the article off without having to wait for the motor to wind inslack. In the embodiment shown, this rapid slack winding is accomplishedusing constant force spring that is stored on a freewheeling spool andrewound onto one end of the lace spool. However, in other embodiments, avariety of different elements or systems could be used for this rapidslack winding. For example, in another embodiment a second small motorwith either no reduction or light gear reduction could be used for slackwinding. In still other embodiments, other spring elements could beused. For example, in another embodiment, an elastomeric torsion springcould be used. In still another embodiment, a geared clock spring couldbe used. Moreover, in other embodiments, a spring member could be woundonto other components of a tightening system. For example, in thealternative embodiment shown in FIG. 30, spring member 820 is configuredto wind around spool 240 at one end, and around motor 220 at another.This alternative arrangement may provide a slightly more compactconfiguration for a motorized tightening system. In addition toimproving the speed of fully winding and unwinding the lace, batterylife may be greatly improved over systems that utilize a motor tocompletely wind and unwind a lace.

The location of a motorized tensioning device can vary from oneembodiment to another. The illustrated embodiments show a motorizedtensioning device disposed on the heel of an upper. However, otherembodiments may incorporate a motorized tensioning device in any otherlocation of an article of footwear, including the forefoot and midfootportions of an upper. In still other embodiments, a motorized tensioningdevice could be disposed in a sole structure of an article. The locationof a motorized tensioning device may be selected according to variousfactors including, but not limited to: size constraints, manufacturingconstraints, aesthetic preferences, optimal lacing placement, ease ofremovability as well as possibly other factors.

In embodiments where motorized tensioning device 160 is disposedexternally on upper 102, a wearer may access components by removing aportion of housing unit 212 (see FIG. 1). For example, in some casesspool 240 may be replaceable in the event of a broken lace.

Some embodiments may include provisions for incorporating a motorizedtensioning device into removable components of an article. In oneembodiment, a motorized tensioning device may be incorporated into anexternal heel counter. In some cases, an external heel counter mayfunction as a harness for mounting a motorized tensioning device to anarticle. In such embodiments, the external heel counter may be speciallyadapted to receive a motorized tensioning device. An example of a heelcounter configured for use with a lace tensioning device is disclosed inGerber, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20130312293, (now U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/481,132, filed May 25, 2012 and titled“Article of Footwear with Protective Member for a Control Device”), theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 31 illustrates a schematic isometric view of an embodiment ofarticle of footwear 100 that is configured with a tensioning system 150.In the current embodiment, article of footwear 100, also referred tohereafter simply as article 100, is shown in the form of an athleticshoe, such as a running shoe. However, in other embodiments, tensioningsystem 150 may be used with any other kind of footwear including, butnot limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers,running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes,baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in someembodiments article 100 may be configured for use with various kinds ofnon-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers,sandals, high heeled footwear, loafers as well as any other kinds offootwear. As discussed in further detail below, a tensioning system maynot be limited to footwear and in other embodiments a tensioning systemcould be used with various kinds of apparel, including clothing,sportswear, sporting equipment and other kinds of apparel. In stillother embodiments, a tensioning system may be used with braces, such asmedical braces.

Article 100 may include upper 102 and sole structure 104. Generally,upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may haveany design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments wherearticle 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 could be a high top upperthat is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments wherearticle 100 is a running shoe, upper 102 could be a low top upper.

In some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be configured to providetraction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, solestructure 104 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressedbetween the foot and the ground during walking, running or otherambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 104 may varysignificantly in different embodiments to include a variety ofconventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, theconfiguration of sole structure 104 can be configured according to oneor more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 104 may beused. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to:natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces.

In different embodiments, sole structure 104 may include differentcomponents. For example, sole structure 104 may include an outsole, amidsole, and/or an insole. In addition, in some cases, sole structure104 can include one or more cleat members or traction elements that areconfigured to increase traction with a ground surface.

In some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be joined with upper 102. Insome cases, upper 102 is configured to wrap around a foot and securesole structure 104 to the foot. In some cases, upper 102 may includeopening 130 that provides access to an interior cavity of article 100.

Tensioning system 150 may comprise various components and systems foradjusting the size of opening 130 and thereby tightening (or loosening)upper 102 around a wearer's foot. In some embodiments, tensioning system150 may comprise lace 152 as well as motorized tensioning device 160.Lace 152 may be configured to pass through various different lacingguides 154, which may be further associated with the edges of throatopening 132. In some cases, lacing guides 154 may provide a similarfunction to traditional eyelets on uppers. In particular, as lace 152 ispulled or tensioned, throat opening 132 may generally constrict so thatupper 102 is tightened around a foot.

The arrangement of lacing guides 154 in this embodiment is only intendedto be exemplary and it will be understood that other embodiments are notlimited to a particular configuration for lacing guides 154.Furthermore, the particular types of lacing guides 154 illustrated inthe embodiments are also exemplary and other embodiments may incorporateany other kinds of lacing guides or similar lacing provisions. In someother embodiments, for example, lace 154 could be inserted throughtraditional eyelets. Some examples of lace guiding provisions that maybe incorporated into the embodiments are disclosed in Cotterman et al.,U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0000091, published Jan.5, 2012 and entitled “Lace Guide,” the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additional examplesare disclosed in Goodman et al., U.S. Patent Application PublicationNumber 2011/0266384, published Nov. 3, 2011 and entitled “Reel BasedLacing System” (the “Reel Based Lacing Application”), the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Stilladditional examples of lace guides are disclosed in Kerns et al., U.S.Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0225843, published Sep. 22,2011 and entitled “Guides For Lacing Systems,” the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Lace 152 may comprise any type of type of lacing material known in theart. Examples of lace that may be used include cables or fibers having alow modulus of elasticity as well as a high tensile strength. A lace maycomprise a single strand of material, or can comprise multiple strandsof material. An exemplary material for the lace is SPECTRA™,manufactured by Honeywell of Morris Township N.J., although other kindsof extended chain, high modulus polyethylene fiber materials can also beused as a lace. Still further exemplary properties of a lace can befound in the Reel Based Lacing Application mentioned above.

In some embodiments, lace 152 may be passed through lacing guides 154and may pass through internal channels (not shown) within upper 102after entering channel openings 156 that are above lacing guides 154. Insome embodiments, the internal channels extend around the sides of upper102 and guide the lace towards motorized tensioning device 160, whichmay be mounted on heel portion 14 of upper 102. In some cases, motorizedtensioning device 160 may include provisions for receiving portions oflace 152. In some cases, end portions of lace 152 exit internal channelsof upper 102 and pass through apertures in a housing unit 212 ofmotorized tensioning device 160.

Motorized tensioning device 160 may be configured to automatically applytension to lace 152 for purposes of tightening and loosening upper 102.As described in further detail below, motorized tensioning device 160may include provisions for winding lace 152 onto, and unwinding lace 152from, a spool internal to motorized tensioning device 160. Moreover, theprovisions may include an electric motor that automatically winds andunwinds the spool in response to various inputs or controls.

Provisions for mounting motorized tensioning device 160 to upper 102 canvary in different embodiments. In some cases, motorized tensioningdevice 160 may be removably attached, so that motorized tensioningsystem 160 can be easily removed by a user and modified (for example,when a lace must be changed). Examples of provisions for removablyattaching motorized tensioning system 160 to upper 102 are discussed indetail later. In other cases, motorized lacing device 160 could bepermanently attached to upper 102. In one embodiment, for example, anexternal harness (not shown) may be used to mount motorized tensioningsystem 160 to upper 102 at heel portion 14.

In some embodiments, motorized tensioning device 160 may communicatewith remote device 170. In some cases, motorized tensioning device 160may receive operating instructions from remote device 170. For example,motorized tensioning device 160 may receive instructions to applyincreased tension to lace 152 by winding the spool. In some cases,remote device 170 may be capable of receiving information from motorizedtensioning device 160. For example, remote device 170 could receiveinformation related to the current tension in lace 152 and/or othersensed information. As discussed below in reference to FIG. 32, remotedevice 170 may function as a remote control that may be used by thewearer to operate tensioning system 150.

In one embodiment, remote device 170 comprises a mobile phone, such asthe iPhone made by Apple, Inc. In other embodiments, any other kinds ofmobile phones could also be used including smartphones. In otherembodiments, any portable electronic devices could be used including,but not limited to: personal digital assistants, digital music players,tablet computers, laptop computers, ultrabook computers as well as anyother kinds of portable electronic devices. In still other embodiments,any other kinds of remote devices could be used including remote devicesspecifically designed for controlling motorized tensioning device 160.In another embodiment, discussed in detail below, remote device 170could comprise a bracelet, wristband and/or armband that is worn by auser and specifically designed for communicating with motorizedtensioning device 160. The type of remote device could be selectedaccording to software and hardware requirements, ease of mobility,manufacturing expenses, as well as possibly other factors.

In some embodiments, motorized tightening device 160 may communicatewith multiple remote devices. For example, a user may use a mobiledevice, such as an iPhone, at home to identify and set preferred tensionsettings, and another remote device, such as with a bracelet, wristbandand/or armband, with more rudimentary controls might then be used toissue commands to motorized tightening device 160, for example whileplaying sports. For example, a bracelet might allow a user to recall aset tension and adjust it, but not set a new tension for later recall.

As already mentioned, remote device 170 may communicate with motorizedtightening device 160 (or indirectly with motorized tightening device160 via a secondary device, such as a separate control unit). Examplesof different communication methods include, but are not limited to:wireless networks such as personal area networks (e.g., Bluetooth®) andlocal area networks (e.g., Wi-Fi) as well as any kinds of RF basedmethods known in the art. In some embodiments, infrared light may beused for wireless communication. Although the illustrated embodimentsdetail a remote device 170 that communicates wirelessly with motorizedtensioning system 160, in other embodiments remote device 170 andmotorized tensioning system 160 may be physically connected andcommunicate through one or more wires.

For purposes of clarity, a single article of footwear is shown in theembodiments. However, it will be understood that remote device 170 maybe configured to operate a corresponding article of footwear which alsoincludes a similar tensioning system (e.g., a pair of footwear eachhaving a tensioning system). As described below, remote device 170 maybe used to operate each the tensioning systems of each articleindependently of one another.

FIG. 32 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of remote device170, including a schematic representation of an exemplary user interfacefor controlling tensioning system 150. In some embodiments, remotedevice 170 may be capable of running a lacing control softwareapplication 180, hereafter referred to simply as application 180. Inembodiments where remote device 170 is a mobile phone (or similardigital device) capable of running mobile software applications,application 180 may be downloaded by a user from a third party onlinestore or website. Such a mobile phone (or similar digital device) mayinclude a touch screen LCD device which may be used by application 180for input and output interaction with a user. In some embodiments, anLCD or non-touch screen LCD may be used for output display only.

Application 180 may display, and respond to user interaction with, aplurality of control buttons 182 and initiate control commands inresponse to such interaction. Exemplary control commands may include,but are not limited to, left right shoe selection, incremental tighten,incremental loosen, open/fully loosen, store tension, and recall/restoretension. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 32, these control buttonsinclude a first button 191 and a second button 192, which arerespectively used to select the shoe (left or right) that will receiveand respond to the control commands. In some embodiments, either firstbutton 191 or second button 192 may be selected, but both may not beselected simultaneously. In other cases, it may be possible to selectboth first button 191 and second button 192 simultaneously, to allow auser to tighten, loosen, or open both shoes simultaneously. In addition,application 180 may include third button 193 for initiating an“incremental tighten” command, a fourth button 194 for initiating an“incremental loosen” command and a fifth button 195 for initiating an“open” (or fully loosen) command. Optionally, some embodiments couldinclude a “fully tighten” command that would tighten the footwear untila predetermined threshold is achieved (for example, a thresholdpressure, winding distance, etc.).

In some embodiments, a shoe, article, or other item may include morethan one motorized tightening device 160. In such embodiments, eachmotorized tightening device 160 may include wireless communicationhardware for separately communicating with a remote device 170, or asingle wireless communication device may be provided for common use bymultiple motorized tightening devices 160. For such embodiments, remotedevice 170 may be configured, such as with application 180, to provideadditional buttons or other controls to individually adjust pluralmotorized tightening devices 160 on a single article. For example,button 191 illustrated in FIG. 32 could be subdivided into a top regionand lower region which are separately responsive to user interaction. Byuse of these regions, one of two motorized tightening devices 160 couldbe selected for tension adjustment via buttons 193, 194, and 195. Inanother example, additional buttons like buttons 193 and 194 could bedisplayed at the same time by application 180, allowing for more rapidadjustment of multiple motorized tightening devices 160.

Application 180 may also include provisions for storing and usingpreferred tension settings. For example, sixth button 196 and seventhbutton 197 may be used to initiate a “store current tension” command anda “return to stored tension” command, respectively. In some cases, thetension values could be stored at the remote device, while in othercases the tension values could be stored in internal memory of a controlboard for the motorized tensioning device 160. Still other embodimentscould include provisions for storing multiple tension settings. Forexample, a user may prefer a tighter fit for playing sports and a looserfit for casual activities. In such cases, remote device 170 may allow auser to store two or more tension settings, corresponding to at leasttwo different lace tension preferences. In some embodiments, sixthbutton 196 may cause the tension setting for a single, currentlyselected, motorized tightening device 160 to be stored, and in someembodiments sixth button 196 may cause the tension settings for multiplemotorized tightening devices 160 to be stored in a single action. Thoseskilled in the art appreciate that storage or recall of tensions formultiple motorized tightening devices 160, whether part of a single itemor multiple items, such as a pair of shoes, may be performed with asingle command issued by a remote device 170 or with a series of controlcommands, such as by issuing separate control commands to each motorizedtightening device 160.

In some embodiments, application 180 and/or remote device 170 may beconfigured to selectively control individual items or individual sets ofitems, such as a pair of shoes, from among multiple items or sets ofitems within communication range of remote device 170. For example,application 180 may be configured to enumerate items by uniqueidentifiers assigned to each item, display the enumerated items to auser, and receive an input selecting an item. In another example, anapplication 180 may be paired via Bluetooth® with a particular item orset of items. In another example, a remote device without an LCD displaymay include a control button that may be pressed, repeatedly if needed,to select a desired item, and the item may include an LED which isilluminated when it is in wireless communication with the remote device.

The embodiments are not limited to a particular user interface orapplication for remotely operating motorized tensioning device 160. Theembodiments here are intended to be exemplary, and other embodimentscould incorporate any additional control buttons, interface designs andsoftware applications. As one example, some embodiments may not includeprovisions for selecting the shoe to be controlled, and instead couldutilize two sets of control buttons, where each set corresponds toeither the left or right shoe. The control buttons for initiatingvarious operating commands can be selected according to various factorsincluding: ease of use, aesthetic preferences of the designer, softwaredesign costs, operating properties of the motorized tensioning device160 as well as possibly other factors.

Throughout the detailed description and in the claims, various operatingmodes, or configurations, of a tensioning system are described. Theseoperating modes may refer to states of the tensioning system itself, aswell as to the operating modes of individual subsystems and/orcomponents of the tensioning system. Exemplary modes include an“incremental tighten mode”, an “incremental loosen mode” and a “fullyloosen” mode. The latter two modes may also be referred to as an“incremental release mode” and a “full release mode”. In the incrementaltighten mode, motorized tightening device 160 may operate in a mannerthat incrementally (or gradually) tightens, or increases the tension of,lace 152. In the incremental loosen mode, motorized tightening device160 may operate in a manner that incrementally (or gradually) loosens,or releases tension in, lace 152. As discussed further below, theincremental tighten mode and the incremental loosen mode may tighten andloosen a lace in discrete steps or continuously. In the full releasemode, motorized tightening device 160 may operate in a manner so thattension applied to the lace by the system is substantially reduced to alevel where the user can easily remove his or her foot from the article.This is in contrast to the incremental release mode, where the systemoperates to achieve a lower tension for the lace relative to the currenttension, but not necessarily to completely remove tension from thelaces. Moreover, while the full release mode may be utilized to quicklyrelease lace tension so the user can remove the article, the incrementalrelease mode may be utilized to make minor adjustments to the lacetension as a user searches for the desired amount of tension. Althoughthe embodiments describe three possible modes of operation (andassociated control commands), other operating modes may also bepossible. For example, some embodiments could incorporated a fullytighten operating mode where motorized tightening device 160 continuesto tighten lace 152 until a predetermined tension has been achieved.

FIGS. 33 through 37 illustrate schematic views of an embodiment ofarticle 100 being tightened and loosened during different operatingmodes of tensioning system 150. Each figure also shows a schematic viewof remote device 170, including the particular control button used toinitiate each operating mode.

FIG. 33 shows article 100 is in a fully opened state just prior to theentry of foot 200. In this state, lace 152 may be loose enough to allowa user to insert his or her foot into opening 130. Referring next toFIG. 34, foot 200 is inserted into article 100, which remains in thefully opened state. Referring next to FIG. 35, an incremental tightencommand has been sent to motorized tensioning device 160 by pressingthird button 193 of remote device 170. This command causes motorizedtensioning device 160 to enter an incremental tighten mode. At thispoint, the tension of lace 152 is increased to tighten upper 102 aroundfoot 200. In particular, lace 152 is drawn into motorized tensioningdevice 160, which pulls on the portions of lace 152 disposed adjacentthroat opening 132 and thus constricts throat opening 132. In somecases, this incremental tightening can occur in discrete steps so thateach time the wearer presses third button 193, lace 152 is taken up by apredetermined amount (for example by rotating a spool within motorizedtensioning device 160 through a predetermined angle). In other cases,this incremental tightening can occur in a continuous manner, as long asthe wearer continues to touch third button 193. In some cases, the speedof tightening can be set so that the system does not overshoot apreferred level of tightness (i.e., the system doesn't move between nottight enough and overly tight too quickly) while also being large enoughto avoid overly long times for fully tightening article 100.

FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate schematic views of two different operatingmodes where lace 152 may be loosened. Referring first to FIG. 36, awearer can press fourth button 194 to initiate an incremental loosencommand in tensioning system 150. Upon receiving the incremental loosencommand, motorized tensioning device 160 may operate in an incrementalloosen mode, in which lace 152 is released from motorized tensioningdevice 160 (i.e., sections of lace 152 exit from motorized tensioningdevice 160). This relaxes some of the tension in lace 152 and allowsthroat opening 132 to partially expand. In some cases, this incrementalloosening can occur in discrete steps so that each time the wearerpresses fourth button 194, lace 152 is let out up by a predeterminedamount (for example by rotating a spool within motorized tensioningdevice 160 through a predetermined angle). In other cases, thisincremental loosening can occur in a continuous manner, as long as thewearer continues to touch fourth button 194. In some cases, the speed ofloosening can be set so that the system does not overshoot a preferredlevel of tightness (i.e., the system doesn't move between too tight andnot tight enough too quickly) while also being large enough to avoidoverly long times for fully loosening article 100. With thisarrangement, a wearer can continue increasing and decreasing the tensionof lace 152 (using the incremental tighten and incremental loosen modes)until a preferred level of tightness for upper 102 is achieved.

Referring next to FIG. 37, a wearer can press fifth button 195 toinitiate an open, or fully loosen, command in tensioning system 150. Incontrast to the incremental loosen command, the open command may be usedto quickly relieve all (or most of) tension in lace 152 so that a usercan quickly remove article 100. Thus, upon receiving the open command,motorized tensioning device 160 operates in a fully loosen mode. In thismode, motorized tensioning device operates to let out enough of lace 152so that substantially all tension is removed from lace 152. In somecases, this may be achieved by continuously monitoring tension in lace152 (for example, using sensors) and letting out lace 152 until thelevel of tension is below a threshold tension. In other cases, this maybe achieved by letting out a predetermined length of lace 152 known tocorrespond approximately to the amount needed to achieve a fullyloosened state for tensioning system 150. As seen in FIG. 37, withtensioning system 150 in the open state, foot 200 can be easily andcomfortably removed from footwear 100.

In different embodiments, control of a motorized lacing device can beaccomplished using various methods and devices. Referring now to FIG.38, some embodiments may utilize various kinds of remote devices,including an RF based control bracelet 390. Control bracelet 390 mayincorporate one or more buttons for sending commands to a motorizedtensioning device. In some cases, control bracelet 390 may includebuttons for initiating incremental tightening and incremental looseningcommands. In still other cases, additional buttons can be included forinitiating any other commands including the open command (or fullyloosen command), store tension command and return to stored tensioncommand. Still other cases could incorporate any other buttons forissuing any other kinds of commands.

In some other embodiments, buttons for tightening, loosening and/orperforming other functions can be located directly on an article. As anexample, some embodiments could incorporate one or more buttons locatedon or adjacent to the housing of a motorized tensioning device. In stillother embodiments, a motorized tightening device maybe controlled usingvoice commands. These commands could be transmitted through a remotedevice, or to a device capable of receiving voice commands that isintegrated into the article and in communication with the motorizedtensioning device.

Embodiments can incorporate a variety of sensors for providinginformation to a control unit of a motorized tensioning system. Asdescribed above, in some embodiments an Ft-bridge mechanism is used tomeasure current. The measured current is provided as an input to controlunit 302 (see FIG. 5). In some cases, a predetermined current may beknown to correspond to a certain lace tension. By checking the measuredcurrent against the predetermined current, a motorized tensioning systemmay adjust the tension of a lace until the predetermined current ismeasured, which indicates the desired lace tension has been achieved.

With current as a feedback, a variety of digital control strategies canbe used. For instance, proportional control only could be used.Alternatively, PI control could be used or full PID. In cases somecases, simple averaging could be used or other filtering techniquesincluding fuzzy logic and band-pass to reduce noise.

Still other embodiments can include additional types of sensors. In somecases, pressure sensors could be used under the insoles of an article toindicate when the user is standing. A motorized tensioning system can beprogrammed to automatically loosen the tension of the lace when the usermoves from the standing position to a sitting position. Such aconfiguration may be useful for older adults that may require lowtension when sitting to promote blood circulation but high tension forsafety when standing.

Still other embodiments could include additional tension sensingelements. In one embodiment, three point bend indicators could be usedin the lace to more accurately monitor the state of the tensioningsystem, including the lace. In other embodiments, various devices tomeasure deflection such as capacitive or inductive devices could beused. In some other embodiments, strain gauges could be used to measuretension induced strain in one or more components of a tensioning system.

In some embodiments, sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers couldbe incorporated into a tensioning system. In some embodiments, anaccelerometer and/or gyroscope could be used to detect sudden momentand/or position information that may be used as feedback for adjustinglace tension. These sensors could also be implemented to control periodsof sleep/awake to extend battery life. In some cases, for example,information from these sensors could be used to reduce tension in asystem when the user is inactive, and increase tension during periods ofgreater activity.

Some embodiments may use memory (for example onboard memory associatedwith a control unit) to store sensed data over time. This data may bestored for later upload and analysis. For example, one embodiment of anarticle of footwear may sense and store tension information over timethat can be later evaluated to look at trends in tightening.

It is also contemplated that some embodiments could incorporate pressuresensors to detect high pressure regions that may develop duringtightening. In some cases, the tension of the lace could beautomatically reduced to avoid such high pressure regions. Additionally,in some cases, a system could prompt a user to alter them to these highpressure regions and suggest ways of avoiding them (by altering use orfit of the article).

It is contemplated that in some embodiments a user could be providedwith feedback through motor pulsing, which generates haptic feedback forthe user in the form of vibrations/sounds. Such provisions couldfacilitate operation of a tensioning system directly, or provide hapticfeedback for other systems in communication with a motorized tensioningdevice.

Various methods of automatically operating a motorized tensioning devicein response to various inputs can be used. For example, after initiallytightening a shoe, it is common for the lace tension to quickly declinein the first few minutes of use. Some embodiments of a tensioning systemmay include provisions for readjusting lace tension to the initialtension set by the user. In some embodiments, a control unit may beconfigured to monitor tension in those first minutes to then readjusttension to match original tension.

FIG. 39 is a schematic view of an exemplary process for automaticallyreadjusting lace tension to maintain the user desired tension over time.In some embodiments, some of the following steps could be accomplishedby a control unit 302 (see FIG. 5) associated with motorized tensioningdevice 160. In other embodiments, some of the following steps could beaccomplished by other components of a tensioning system. It will beunderstood that in other embodiments one or more of the following stepsmay be optional.

In step 502, control unit 302 may determine if a user has finishedtightening an article. In some cases, control unit 302 may determinethat a user has finished tightening a lace if no control commands (e.g.,an incremental tighten command) have been received after a predeterminedperiod of time. If control unit 302 determines that the user hasfinished tightening the article, control unit 302 proceeds to step 504.Otherwise, control unit 302 may wait until it has been determined thatthe user has finished tightening the article.

In step 504, control unit 302 may monitor tension of the tensioningsystem (e.g., tension of a lace) for a predetermined interval todetermine an initial tension. Methods for monitoring tension, includingcurrent sensors and other sensors have been previously discussed above.In some cases, control unit 302 may set the average measured tensionover the predetermined interval as the initial tension.

Next, in step 506, control unit 302 may determine if the tension of thetensioning system has decreased. If not, control unit 302 may wait andthen revaluate if the tension has decreased. Once it has been determinedthat the tension has decreased, control unit 302 may proceed to step508. In step 508, control unit 302 may automatically increase thetension of the tensioning system until the initial tension has beenachieved. In some embodiments, after step 508, control unit may wait andagain automatically evaluate the tension at step 506. In someembodiments, control unit 302 may be additionally configured toautomatically detect overtension and in response automatically decreasethe tension of the tensioning system until the initial tension has beenachieved. In some embodiments, control unit 302 may be configured toperform cyclic changes in tension, such as to enhance blood circulation.

In some embodiments, instead of only waiting a determined period oftime, as illustrated in FIG. 39 and described above, the reevaluation ofstep 506 may be triggered by sensor information. In one example,sensor-based triggering may replace the waiting, with sensor informationcausing reevaluation of tension to occur. In another example, waitingmay be performed as illustrated in FIG. 39, but with sensor informationpossibly causing the waiting to be terminated and triggeringreevaluation of tension. Sensors providing such information to controlunit 302 might include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors in shoeinsoles to detect standing and/or rate of motion, bend indicators,strain gauges, gyroscopes, and accelerometers. In some embodiments,instead of or in addition to maintaining an initial tension, the sensorinformation may be used to establish a new target tension. For example,pressure sensors could be used to measure contact pressures of the upperof an article of footwear against the foot of a wearer and automaticallyadjust to achieve a desired pressure. In some embodiments, control unit302 may be configured to store sensor information obtained over a periodof time to identify triggering events. Additionally, control unit 302may be configured to upload or otherwise provide stored sensorinformation to a remote device. Uploaded sensor information may bereviewed and analyzed for purposes including, but not limited to,monitoring correlations between footwear tightness and athleticperformance.

Some embodiments may be configured to operate in two or more differentmodes. For example, some embodiments could operate in a “normal mode”and a “game mode” (or similarly, a “sports mode” or “active mode”). Inthe normal mode, the electric motor would be powered down aftertensioning in order to save battery life. In contrast, when the gamemode is selected by a user, the tension of the system may becontinuously monitored and adjusted for maximum performance though atthe expense of battery life. By enabling a user to change between thesetwo modes, a user can choose to optimize battery life or optimizeperformance depending on the needs of the situation. In someembodiments, multiple target tensions may be stored and returned to, foreither of the “normal mode” or the “game mode,” such as configuring atarget tension for sport and a substantially different tension forleisure. In some embodiments, control unit 302 may be configured tofrequently, but not continuously, monitor and adjust tension, so as tofurther extend battery life while achieving some of the benefit of acontinuously monitored “game mode.”

FIG. 40 is a schematic view of an exemplary process for operating atensioning system in two different modes. In some embodiments, some ofthe following steps could be accomplished by a control unit 302 (seeFIG. 5) associated with motorized tensioning device 160. In otherembodiments, some of the following steps could be accomplished by othercomponents of a tensioning system. It will be understood that in otherembodiments one or more of the following steps may be optional.

In step 510, control unit 302 may receive the user selected mode. Thismay be determined by receiving a signal from a remote device, which mayprompt a user to select with a “normal mode” or a “game mode”. Next, instep 512, control unit 302 may determine if the user has finishedtightening the article. If not, control unit 302 waits until the userhas finished tightening the article. When the user has finishedtightening the article, control unit 302 proceeds to step 514. At step514, control unit 302 determines which mode has been selected from theinformation received during step 510. If the user has selected thenormal mode, control unit proceeds to step 516, where the motor ispowered down and the system awaits further instructions from the user(or other systems/sensors) to save battery power. If, however, the userhas selected the game mode at step 514, control unit 302 proceeds tostep 518. During step 518, control unit 302 may actively monitor thetension of the article and may automatically adjust the tension toachieve maximum performance.

As another example of a process for automatically controlling atensioning system, GPS feedback from a remote device could be used todetermine if a runner is on flat ground, climbing or descending. Thesystem could automatically adjust the tension of the laces in footwearautomatically, for example, by increasing tension in the laces duringdescent.

Methods of digitally tracking tensioning data measured by one or moresensors could be used in some embodiments. The average tension of thedevice could also be tracked. This tension data may be used to measureperformance parameters, such as loading on the foot during an athleticactivity. In some embodiments, such tension monitoring may be used tomeasure swelling. In addition, in some cases, the number of times thefootwear is put on and taken off can be tracked. In addition, time ofuse could also be tracked. Data collection could be facilitated byvarious technologies including USB devices, data cords and blue toothcommunication technologies. Moreover, the data collected can betransmitted through a variety of technologies to either a centraldatabase for evaluation.

Although the exemplary methods described above and shown in FIGS. 39 and40 are directed to footwear, it will be understood that similar methodscould be used for automated operation of other kinds of articlesincluding tensioning systems. In particular, these methods could be usedwith any type of apparel.

FIG. 41 shows a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of amotorized tensioning device 900. For purposes of describing someinternal components, FIG. 43 illustrates a cross sectional view of somecomponents of motorized tensioning device 900. Motorized tensioningdevice 900 may include some similar provisions as the previousembodiments, for example a motor 902 and a gear reduction system 904that is driven by motor 902, Gear reduction system 904 as shown hereincludes 5 stages of spur gears. Other gear reductions that could beemployed include: cycloidal, harmonic, and planetary. In someembodiments, the motor 902 and gear reduction system 904 combination maybe sized to maximize the tradeoffs between current requirement, size,torque and speed. In the embodiment shown, the gear reduction isapproximately 600:1 with an output RPM of 30 and a peak current of 1.2amps.

The output of gear reduction system 904 may enter an incrementallyreleasable load holding mechanism 906, which is shown in FIG. 42. Thisload holding mechanism 906 comprises a ratcheting type mechanism, whichhelps hold any loads applied to spool 908 without potentially backdriving motor 902 and/or gear reduction system 904. The purpose is tohold the load without relying on the motor/gearbox to not back drive.Load holding mechanism 906 may hold load on spool 908 even while motor902 is de-energized. When a small amount of lace tension is desired tobe released, motor 902 unwinds and a sweeper element sweeps pawlelements 910 off internal teeth 912 allowing the output to unwind onetooth. This can be repeated as desired to precisely unwind the spool andcorrespondingly relax lace tension. This is important to allow the userto get to a precise fit. An exemplary load holding mechanism that may beused is disclosed in Soderberg et al., U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Number 2010/0139057, published Jun. 10, 2010 and titled“Reel Based Lacing System,” the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 41 and 43, the output of load holding mechanism 906in this embodiment is a male square drive 914. This drive element couldbe any number of sides or be an external spline. The male square drivemates with a female element 916 with sufficient clearance and of amaterial for low friction sliding along shaft 912 (see FIG. 43). Thefemale element 916 is driven by the male square drive 914. The oppositeend of female element 916 includes a face driving element 920. In theembodiment shown, this is a large number of triangular teeth which canengage or disengage from matching teeth on one flange of spool 908.These teeth could be from as few as one to more than eight. To encourageengagement the teeth may be back drafted from 5 to 60 degrees. In someembodiments, the teeth may be angled at approximately 45 degrees.

The center of female element 916 has a thread (not shown) which canengage threaded portion of shaft 912. When motor 902 is driven in onedirection element 916 moves axially as a result of the internal threadand engages the face teeth between itself and corresponding teeth onspool 908. Shaft 912, which is normally stationary, has a frictionalelement 922 to prevent rotation during axial travel and engagement. Whenengagement is complete and the face teeth are fully engaged, theexternal thread of shaft 912 will experience torque. Over a certaintorque level, motor 902 and gear reduction system 904 will overcome thetorsional friction element 922 and shaft 912 will turn. In theembodiment shown, frictional element 922 is an O-ring on shaft 912 thatis contained in a housing. The O-ring pressure can be adjusted via ascrew which can clamp down on the O-ring. In other embodiments, thistorsion friction could be accomplished by a number of means. Forexample, in another embodiment, torsional friction could be done as acoulomb frictional device such as an adjustable face clutch for instanceusing steel or brass against nylon or other brake pad materials andadjustable via an axial spring tensioner. In other embodiments,torsional friction could also be done electrically via a particle clutchor hydraulically via a rotary damper. In some embodiments, the number ofturns to reach disengagement can be coordinated if desired with thenumber of turns to go from full lace tension to no tension. That way,incremental release can be done anywhere in the range of lace that istensioned.

In the embodiment shown, rapid slack wind may be achieved via a constantforce spring (not shown) that is stored on a freewheeling spool 930 andrewound onto one end 930 of spool 908.

In some embodiments, the lace may exit and is tended through radiusedeyelets in a housing to prevent lace wear and increase lace fatiguelife. In some embodiments, these exits may be located at least ½ of thespool diameter away from the spool to help the lace more or less levelwind onto the spool to maximize capacity.

In some embodiments, a user initiated manual release element is alsoprovided should the user every find themselves in tightened shoes withno remaining battery life. Many approaches could be used to manuallydisengage the spool from the load holding and motor/gearbox mechanism.For instance a tapered blade (not shown) can be inserted between theteeth on spool 908 and element 916 to separate them via a spring elementallowing axial movement of spool 908 in the separation direction.

FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrate schematic views of an alternative tensioningand release mechanism that could be used with a motorized tighteningsystem. For purposes of reference, this mechanism is shown in isolationfrom other components of a tightening device. This mechanism can be usedfor accomplishing tightening, load holding, incremental release and fullrelease.

In this design, a system of cams and latches are used. Referring toFIGS. 44 and 45, load holding mechanism 938 includes a final stageoutput gear 940 of a gear reduction system (not shown) which isconnected to a cylindrical plate 942 that has a single driving pawl 944near its center. In the tightening direction, the motor is continuallydriven and the pawl 944 drives via detents in an output ring 946 that isattached to the spool. This output ring 946 has internal detents 948that plate 942 drives and external female teeth 950 that engage anexternal load holding pawl 954. When the motor is stopped the externalload holding pawl 954 resists the spool torque. It can be seen thatplate 942 not only has the internal drive pawl 944 but also has camelements 945 on its periphery that periodically disengage the externalload holding pawl 954. When stopped and holding load the external pawlis engaged 954. Then the cylindrical plate 942 begins to back up for anincremental release. At first the output does not release. Then one ofcam elements 945 on plate 942 releases outside load holding pawl 954.When this happens, output ring 946 catches up to pawl 954 and next theload holding pawl 954 engages and the mechanism stops in an incrementalload holding position. In this way incremental release is accomplished.For this to operate a limit switch is employed to monitor plate 942 andstop in each incremental release position. In the embodiment shown thereare six stop positions or every 60 degrees of rotation. This number canvary based on space requirements and the incremental lace releaseresolution desired. There could be as few as 1 stop per revolution andas many as 12, for example.

For full release, mechanism 938 must be stopped with both the internaland external pawl released at the same time. There is one more releasingpawl 960 required to accomplish this. In the figure, pawl 960 has threepositions. Fully retracted, actuator extended, and releasing camextended. After tensioning, pawl 960 is fully retracted. As incrementalreleases are actuated, the internal pawl 944 will likely pass thisexternal pawl 960 and set it to the full release position. So when afull release is commanded, the internal pawl 944 will move into aposition where both internal and external pawls are lifted and the usercan freely extract lace and take off the article while only encounteringminimal resistance which is provided by the slack take up mechanism.

FIG. 46 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear3010 including an upper 3155 and a sole structure 3150 secured to upper3155. In some embodiments, sole structure 3150 may include a midsole3151 and an insole 3054. Insole 3054 may be removably inserted intofootwear 3010, as illustrated by an arrow 3055.

FIG. 46 also shows a motorized tensioning system 3020, which may beremovably attached to footwear 3010. Footwear 3010 and tensioning system3020 may have the same or similar attributes as footwear and tensioningsystems discussed above. For example, tensioning system may include atightening device, power source, and other componentry in a housing3025, which may be removably attached to upper 3155, for example, on aheel portion of footwear 3010.

In addition, footwear 3010 may include various additional componentsdisposed in sole structure 3150. For example, in some embodiments,footwear 3010 may include a cushioning element 3080 in a heel portion ofsole structure 3150. Cushioning element 3080 may be incorporated intomidsole 3151. In some embodiments, cushioning element 3080 may include achamber containing a pressurized fluid. In some embodiments, cushioningelement 3080 may include a foam cushioning material.

In some embodiments, footwear 3010 may include a removable electronicsdevice 3065 in the heel portion of sole structure 3150. Electronicsdevice 3065 may be removably inserted into a recess 3060 in midsole 3151beneath insole 3054, as indicated by an arrow 3070. Electronics device3065 may include a data acquisition component 3075 configured to collectperformance data. In some embodiments, footwear 3010 may include bothcushioning element 3080 and electronics device 3065. For example, asshown in FIG. 46, cushioning element 3080 may be located in the heelregion of midsole 3151 and electronics device 3060 may be located in themidfoot region of midsole 3151.

Because the forefoot region of midsole 3151 may have a height that isrelatively minimal, the placement of cushioning element 3080 andelectronics package 3060 in midsole 3151 may leave little room foradditional componentry in sole structure 3150. Accordingly, theattachability of housing 3025 of tensioning system 3020 to an outer heelportion of upper 3155 may enable use of motorized tightening in footwearthat includes componentry incorporated into midsole 3151.

In some embodiments, the motorized tensioning system may incorporate adifferent arrangement of components. For example, as shown in FIG. 47, amotorized tensioning system 4125 may be removably attachable to anarticle of footwear 4010. The components and operation of tensioningsystem 4125 may be similar to other tensioning systems discussed above.For example, tensioning system 4125 may include a housing 4126 that isremovably attachable to a heel portion of footwear 4010. In addition,housing 4126 may house a motorized tightening device 4200, a powersource 4205 and a control unit 4210. However, in some embodiments, asshown in FIG. 47, tightening device 4200 may be disposed on a medial orlateral side of footwear 4010 when tensioning system 4125 is installedon footwear 4010. In addition, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 47,power source 4205 may be disposed in a rear-most portion of the heelportion of footwear 4010 when tensioning system 4125 is installed onfootwear 4010. This arrangement may be advantageous in some cases, forexample, when tightening device 4200 has a lower profile than powersource 4205. It may be desirable to maintain a minimal width oftensioning system 4125, and thus, it may be preferred to house a largersized battery on the rear-most portion of the heel portion.

This arrangement may also be advantageous to operate alternative lacingarrangements. For example, as shown in FIG. 48, in some embodiments, anarticle of footwear 5010 may include a lacing region 5175 that islocated on a medial or lateral side of footwear 5010. Such a lacingarrangement may provide improved fit, and may enable snug tighteningwithout placing undue pressure on various portions of the foot, such asthe instep region. In addition, locating lacing region 5175 away fromthe instep region may enable a relatively smooth surface of footwear5010 to be presented in the instep region. This smooth surface may bedesirable for soccer, to improve kicking accuracy and prevent impact ofuneven materials with the foot.

A motorized tensioning system 5125 may be removably attachable tofootwear 5010, and may include similar components to the tensioningsystems discussed above. For example, tensioning system 5125 may includea motorized tightening device, a power source, and a control unit housedwithin a housing 5126. Tensioning system 5125 may also include a tensilemember. The tensile member may include multiple portions connectiblewith manual couplings, such as connector 5035. For example, the tensilemember may include a first tensile member portion 5130 associated withhousing 5126. In addition, the tensile member may include a secondtensile member portion 5135 and a third tensile member portion 5136,which may be laced through lacing region 5175. Because both ends offirst tensile member portion 5130 may enter housing 5126 on the sameside of footwear 5010, it may be desirable to locate the tighteningdevice on the side of footwear 5010 nearest the entry point of firsttensile member portion 5130.

Motorized tensioning systems that are heel-mounted may enable otherlacing configurations to be used. For example, because the lace tensionin a heel-mounted tensioning system is being applied from the heelregion, and because the tensioning is automated, the lacing region neednot be exposed. Accordingly, concealed lacing systems may be used. Forexample, in some embodiments, a lacing system is envisaged in which thelacing region is underfoot in the sole structure of the shoe.

FIG. 49 shows an article of footwear 6010. Footwear 6010 may include asole structure 6150 and an upper 6155 secured to sole structure 6150. Inaddition, FIG. 49 shows a motorized tensioning system 6125. Tensioningsystem 6125 may be removably attachable to footwear 6010, and mayinclude similar components to the tensioning systems discussed above.For example, tensioning system 6125 may include a motorized tighteningdevice, a power source, and a control unit housed within a housing 6126.Tensioning system 6125 may also include a tensile member. The tensilemember may include multiple portions connectible with manual couplings.For example, the tensile member may include a first tensile memberportion 6130 associated with housing 6126. In addition, the tensilemember may include a second tensile member portion 6136 which may belaced into a lacing region 6175. Second tensile member portion 6136 maybe removably attached to first tensile member portion 6130 by manualcouplings 6140. Accordingly, housing 6126 and its contents, as well asfirst tensile member portion may be replaced due to the removability ofhousing 6126 from upper 6155 and manual couplings 6140.

As shown in FIG. 49, lacing region 6175 may be located internally, forexample, in a footbed 6005 of sole structure 6150. Second tensile memberportion 6136 may enter sole structure 6150 proximate a first peripheraledge 6025 and a second peripheral edge 6030 of footbed 6005. Further,second tensile member portion 6136 may be disposed in a groove 6020 infootbed 6005. Second tensile member portion 6136 may extend betweenanchor members that are located proximate first peripheral edge 6025 andsecond peripheral edge 6030 of footbed 6005. For example, a first anchormember 6011, a second anchor member 6012, and a third anchor member 6013may be located proximate first peripheral edge 6025. In addition, afourth anchor member 6014, a fifth anchor member 6015, and a thirdanchor member 6016 may be located proximate second peripheral edge 6030.These anchor members may be secured to upper 6155. When tensioningsystem 6125 applies tension to the tensile member, second tensile memberportion 6136 may draw the anchor members closer to one another, thustightening upper 6155 around the foot. Additional details of exemplaryfootbed lacing systems are provided in Baker et al., U.S. Pat. No.8,387,282, issued Mar. 5, 2013, and entitled “Cable Tightening Systemfor an Article of Footwear,” the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to berestricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope ofthe attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; asole structure, coupled to the upper; a lacing system, secured to atleast one of the upper and the sole structure, comprising: a spoolconfigured to rotate about a central axis, the spool comprising a shaftand at least one dividing portion on the shaft extending along thecentral axis, a first lace winding region and a second lace windingregion along the shaft being separated by the dividing portion, whereinthe at least one dividing portion includes a lace receiving channelenclosed by and extending through the dividing portion, the lacereceiving channel being accessible via an aperture positioned on thedividing portion radially away from the shaft; and a lace, extendingthrough the lace receiving channel and winding about each of the firstand second lace winding regions and extending through the upper, whereinincreasing tension on the lace increases tension on the upper; whereinthe spool is configured to increase tension on the lace by increasingthe winding of the lace around the first and second lace windingregions.
 2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein thespool rotates about the central axis in a first rotational direction towind the lace to tighten the tensioning system.
 3. The article offootwear according to claim 2, wherein the spool rotates about thecentral axis in a second rotational direction that is opposite the firstrotational direction to unwind the lace to loosen the tensioning system.4. The article of footwear according to claim 3, wherein rotation in atleast one of the first rotational direction and the second rotationaldirection is performed using a motor associated with the tensioningsystem.
 5. The article of footwear according to claim 3, whereinrotation in the second rotational direction is performed by applyingtension to the lace while the tensioning system is in a loosenedcondition.
 6. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein thedividing portion extends radially outward from the shaft; and whereinthe lace receiving channel is spaced apart from the shaft.
 7. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the lace receivingchannel is located adjacent to a perimeter edge of the dividing portion.8. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; a sole structure,coupled to the upper; a lacing system, secured to at least one of theupper and the sole structure, comprising: a motor; a spool incommunication with the motor, the spool comprising a shaft and at leastthree dividing portions disposed along the shaft and extending along acentral axis of the spool; and a lace, wherein a portion of the laceextends through a lace receiving channel enclosed by and extendingthrough a center dividing portion to interconnect the lace with thespool, the lace receiving channel, the lace receiving channel beingaccessible via an aperture positioned on the central dividing portionradially away from the shaft, wherein the lace extends through theupper, wherein increasing tension on the lace increases tension on theupper; and wherein the lace is configured to be wound around portions ofthe shaft disposed on opposite sides of the center dividing portion whenthe lacing system is in a tightened condition.
 9. The article offootwear according to claim 8, wherein equal portions of the lace aredisposed on opposite sides of the center dividing portion when thetensioning system is in the tightened condition.
 10. The article offootwear according to claim 8, wherein equal portions of lace areunwound from opposite sides of the center dividing portion when thetensioning system is placed in a loosened condition from the tightenedcondition.
 11. The article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein thelace receiving channel is chamfered around a circumference of the lacereceiving channel.
 12. The article of footwear according to claim 8,wherein the lace is configured to slide through the lace receivingchannel to adjust tension in different portions of the tensioningsystem.
 13. The article of footwear according to claim 12, whereintension of the tensioning system in at least one of a midfoot region anda forefoot region of an article of footwear is adjusted by changing anamount of a first portion of the lace that is associated with themidfoot region and changing an amount of a second portion of the lacethat is associated with the forefoot region.
 14. The article of footwearaccording to claim 8, wherein the at least three dividing portionsinclude a first end portion, the center dividing portion, and a secondend portion; and wherein the center dividing portion is located on theshaft between the first end portion and the second end portion.
 15. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 14, wherein a first portion oflace is wound on a first shaft section disposed between the first endportion and the center dividing portion when the tensioning system is inthe tightened condition; and wherein a second portion of lace is woundon a second shaft section disposed between the second end portion andthe center dividing portion when the tensioning system is in thetightened condition.
 16. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; asole structure, coupled to the upper; a lacing system; secured to atleast one of the upper and the sole structure, comprising: a shaft; andat least one dividing portion extending along a central axis of theshaft and radially outward from the shaft, forming a first lace windingregion and a second lace winding region along the shaft being separatedby the dividing portion; wherein the at least one dividing portionincludes a lace receiving channel enclosed by and extending through thedividing portion, the lace receiving channel being accessible via anaperture positioned on the dividing portion radially away from theshaft, and wherein the shaft is configured to tighten the lacing systemby increasing the winding of a lace around the first and second lacewinding regions.
 17. The article of footwear according to claim 16,further comprising at least three dividing portions forming the firstlace winding region and the second lace winding region; and wherein acenter dividing portion includes the lace receiving channel.
 18. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 16, further comprising a firstend and a second end disposed at opposite ends along the central axis ofthe shaft; and wherein the shaft includes a screw disposed at the secondend.
 19. The article of footwear according to claim 18, wherein thescrew is configured to receive a gear in communication with a motor of atensioning system to rotate the shaft about the central axis.
 20. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 18, wherein the shaft isconfigured to receive a lace through the lace receiving channel; andwherein rotation of the shaft about the central axis in a firstrotational direction is configured to wind portions of the lace onopposite sides of the at least one dividing portion in the first andsecond winding regions divided by the at least dividing portion.